Military troops patrol Botafogo neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July, 28, 2017. (Photo: VCG)

Rio de Janeiro (People's Daily) - Brazil's President Michel Temer on Tuesday issued a decree setting up a special Ministry of Public Security to deal with the high crime rates in Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro. 

Raul Jungmann, former defense minister, was appointed to head the new ministry. His main responsibilities include coordinating with different states and managing national public safety affairs.

In an interview, Jungman said the primary task is fighting organized crime.

After the Carnival, Temer signed an emergency decree on February 16, putting the military in charge of security in Rio de Janeiro.

"I am taking this extreme measure because the circumstances demand it," Temer said after signing the decree. "Enough."