RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Minister of Justice and Public Security Sergio Moro took office on Wednesday and promised to crack down on crime.
Moro, a top judge who oversaw the corruption investigation into former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said Brazil will strengthen international cooperation to capture criminals.
"Brazil will not be a safe haven for criminals and never again will it refuse to cooperate with anyone who requests it based on political and party criteria," he said.
Embezzling public funds harms the society's most vulnerable, Moro said, adding that the government must not only go after corrupt officials, but also pass anti-corruption legislation.
Regarding Brazil's high homicide rate, Moro said "Brazilians have the right to live without fear of violence or falling victim to a crime, at least at the epidemic levels that currently exist."
His ministry will work with the National Justice Council to implement better public security and prison system policies, he said.
