Political crisis in Brazil: investigation into Moro's accusations against Bolsonaro

Text by: RFI Follow

A judge of the Federal Supreme Court of Brazil on Monday (April 27th) ordered the opening of a preliminary investigation into accusations of "interference" in court cases against President Jair Bolsonaro, made by his former Minister of Justice, Sergio Moro.

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Dean of the Federal Supreme Court, judge Celso de Mello gives the police sixty days to question Sergio Moro. The anti-corruption champion resigned loudly on April 24 from the Ministry of Justice. Such an investigation could open the way either to a dismissal procedure against Jair Bolsonaro, or to proceedings for denouncing an imaginary crime against the resigning minister.

According to Judge de Mello, the offenses alleged against the Brazilian president seem to have "  a close link with the exercise of presidential functions  ", which excludes him from claiming immunity. The decision of the Federal Supreme Court lists seven offenses that Jair Bolsonaro could have committed, including prevarication and obstruction of justice.

Alleged pressure to sack federal police chief

Popular minister with a public opinion sickened by the corruption of the political power, Sergio Moro had slammed the door after the dismissal of one of his men of confidence, the chief of the federal police Mauricio Valeixo.

After his resignation, Mr. Moro had shown on television an exchange on WhatsApp messaging where the head of state seemed to exert pressure on him to change the head of the federal police. Brazilian media have reported that the former judge retained screenshots of messages that could incriminate the Brazilian president.

Brazilians divided over impeachment procedure

If the prosecution were to find elements accusing Jair Bolsonaro, it would be up to the Chamber of Deputies to authorize the Federal Supreme Court to open a formal investigation. And if the latter were to confirm the suspicions, the Congress would have to rule on the opening of a dismissal procedure.

The Brazilian president is going through a difficult period, with the epidemic of coronavirus which has slowed down the economy and created tensions with the authorities of federated states anxious to protect their population, while minimizing the epidemic .

The far-right leader continues to sharply divide the Brazilians. According to a Datafolha poll published by the daily Folha de S. Paulo, 45% of them think that Congress should open a dismissal procedure, and 48% that it should not.

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• Brazil
• Jair Bolsonaro

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