Júlia Carneiro

In a statement, Marco Rubio said the Red Command, or CV, and the First Command of the Capital, or PCC, were, quote, "...two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil.

The gangs are now considered specially designated global terrorists."

And Rubio says the label of terrorist organizations is to apply from June 5th onward.

Brazil had been trying to avoid the change, fearing it could be used as a pretext for undue interference from the U.S.

But this comes a day after Rubio met with Flávio Bolsonaro, former President Jair Bolsonaro's son, who advocated for the change and plans to run for president.

For NPR News, I'm Júlia Carneiro in Rio de Janeiro.

In a statement, Marco Rubio said the Red Command, or CV, and the First Command of the Capital, or PCC, were, quote, "...two of the most violent criminal organizations in Brazil, and that their influence and illicit networks extended into the U.S.

The gangs are now considered specially designated global terrorists."

And Rubio says the label of terrorist organizations is to apply from June 5th onward.

Brazil had been trying to avoid the change, fearing it could be used as a pretext for undue interference from the U.S.

But this comes a day after Rubio met with Flávio Bolsonaro, former President Jair Bolsonaro's son, who advocated for the change and plans to run for president.

For NPR News, I'm Júlia Carneiro in Rio de Janeiro.

Ten years ago, the dam collapse in Mariana released the tsunami of sludge, killing 19 people, destroying villages and devastating hundreds of miles along the Doce River in northeast Brazil.

Now, London's High Court has ruled that BHP was responsible.

The group owns half of Samarco, the company operating the mine.

The other half belongs to Brazil's mining giant, Vale.

The damage to be paid will be set by a separate ruling.

This comes a year after the companies reached a $23 billion settlement for compensations in Brazil, but were found not guilty in a criminal lawsuit.

Victims saw the ruling in the UK as a landmark in their fight for justice.

For NPR News, I'm Júlia Carneiro.