The Federal Supreme Court (STF) decided on Wednesday (28) in favor of the constitutionality of most of the articles of the Forest Code, a law sanctioned in 2012 to establish general rules on the protection and exploration of areas of environmental protection throughout the country, informs the “Agência Brasil”.
The validity of the rules was questioned through direct actions of unconstitutionality filed by the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) and the PSOL in early 2013. Among the points most challenged by environmentalists was Article 60 of the Code, also deemed by the majority constitutional of ministers. The provision provides for the suspension of punishment for environmental crime for rural property owners who have signed an agreement with environmental agencies to regularize deforested areas.
Last minister to vote on the question, after a week that trial, Celso de Mello voted with the majority and understood that the suspension can not be considered amnesty. According to the minister, the rule had the purpose of encouraging those who were irregular to seek the state and regularize their situation. “In addition to inducing, encourages agents who have committed certain environmental crimes, before July 22, 2008, to solve their environmental liabilities,” argued Mello.