Corruption is Everywhere > Portuguese PM Resigns; French justice minister on trial

 

Portuguese PM Costa resigns after being accused in corruption probe

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced his resignation on Tuesday after he was embroiled in a corruption investigation into the awarding of energy-related contracts.

Issued on: 07/11/2023 - 17:09; 1 min

By:NEWS WIRES

"The duties of prime minister are not compatible with any suspicion of my integrity," Costa told a press conference after briefly speaking with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa earlier on Tuesday.

"In these circumstances, I have presented my resignation to the president of the Republic," he added.  

Earlier Tuesday, Portuguese media reported that investigators had searched several ministries as well as Costa's offices. 

Public prosecutors later said they had indicted Infrastructure Minister Joao Galamba and issued an arrest warrant for Costa's chief of staff.

The investigation covers alleged "misuse of funds, active and passive corruption by political figures, and influence peddling," according to a statement from public prosecutors.  

A separate probe is looking into Costa, who is alleged to have intervened personally to speed up the contracts, the statement said.  

The investigation covers lithium mining concessions in the north of the country, as well as a hydrogen production project and data centre to be built by the company Start Campus in Sines, a town about 100 kilometres (62 miles) south of Lisbon.  

Citing flight risk and the possibility that illegal activity could continue, arrest warrants were also issued for the mayor of Sines and two executives at Start Campus. 

The president of the executive board of the Portuguese Agency for the Protection of the Environment (APA) was also indicted. 

APA in May approved a lithium mining project, an essential metal for the manufacturing of electric batteries. 

A second project was given the green light at the start of September. The projects are opposed by environmental groups and part of the local population.

Portugal has the largest lithium reserves in Europe and is the continent's leading producer, but its current output goes entirely to the ceramic and glass-making industries.  

Costa, from Portugal's Socialist Party, has been prime minister since late 2015 and was relected in January 2022. His popularity has recently declined after a series of scandals linked to the national airline TAP.

(AFP)

‘Unprecedented’: French justice minister on trial

for allegedly using office to settle scores

France’s justice minister goes on trial Monday on charges of using his office to settle personal scores, in an unprecedented case that has raised concern about checks and balances in French democracy.

Issued on: 06/11/2023 - 12:03

Modified: 06/11/2023 - 12:05

2 min

By:NEWS WIRES

Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti’s refusal to resign, or at least to step aside from his role overseeing France’s justice system during the trial, has drawn wide criticism.

Once a high-profile lawyer, Dupond-Moretti is accused of abusing his position as justice minister to order probes targeting magistrates who investigated him, his friends or his former clients.

He denies wrongdoing. He faces up to five years in prison and half a million euros in fines if convicted on charges of illegal conflict of interest.

The trial marks the first time in modern France that a government minister has been put on trial while still in office, according to legal historians. Until now, it was seen as an unwritten rule that ministers resigned if they were put under investigation.

Dupond-Moretti was appointed justice minister by President Emmanuel Macron in 2020 and has said he will remain in office through the trial, which is due to end on Nov. 17. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne reiterated her support for Dupond-Moretti on Monday before the trial opened.

He is going on trial in a special court for alleged wrongdoing by the government, the Court of Justice of the Republic. He will face three professional magistrates accompanied by 12 members of parliament, six from the lower house and six from the Senate, who will issue a ruling. A majority of eight votes is required to decide on guilt and sentence.

"This situation is unprecedented: A justice minister in office is judged by the Court of Justice of the Republic for infractions committed while he carries out his job," magistrates’ unions said in a statement ahead of the trial.

"Our organizations consider that this situation damages the credibility of the justice minister, and by ricochet, weakens the entire justice system," it said.

Dupond-Moretti is considered one of France’s leading criminal lawyers, and is nicknamed the “acquittor” for his record 145 acquittals. Over the past 10 years, he had been increasingly involved in political cases, and his relations with certain magistrates had soured.

Soon after he was named minister, he opened administrative investigations against magistrates in charge of proceedings that had directly concerned him: three magistrates from the national financial prosecutor’s office and a former investigating judge in Monaco.

The investigations found no wrongdoing by the four magistrates.

Magistrates’ unions filed a legal complaint against Dupond-Moretti, saying the investigations were unfounded and an effort to use his role as minister to settle personal scores. The trial focuses on those investigations.

The minister has always maintained that he wanted to avoid any conflict of interest. On his appointment, he signed a document declaring he would defend “integrity and morality” like all other ministers.

Interviewed on public radio last month, Dupond-Moretti said his ministry would not be “abandoned” during the trial. “The ministry will continue to function, that’s my only concern,'' he said.

Dupond-Moretti is viewed as among the left-leaning members of Macron’s government, but critics from left and right have questioned why he didn’t step aside during the trial.

Some politicians also argue that serving government ministers should be tried in traditional courts, where civil parties can also take part, instead of a special court with its own special rules.

(AP)

Bolsonaro Still in Control in Brazil, for Now

Brazil's justice minister resigns in clash with President Bolsonaro

By Danielle Haynes

Brazil's, justice minister, Sergio Moro announces his resignation from government during a news conference

in Brasilia, Brazil, on Friday. Photo by Joedson Alves/EPA-EFE

(UPI) -- Brazilian Justice Minister Sergio Moro resigned Friday after disagreeing with President Jair Bolsonaro over his firing of the head of the country's federal police.

The clash between Moro and Jair, both popular far-right figures, could cause political turmoil in the South American country as it attempts to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The pandemic has sickened more than 52,000 people and killed at least 3,600 people in Brazil, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In his resignation speech, Moro said he attempted to persuade Jair not to force the resignation of federal police chief Mauricio Valeixo.

"I have to protect my biography and above all the commitment I took on ... that we would stand firm against corruption, organized crime and violent crime," Moro said.

Shortly after the former justice minister's announcement, critics pounded pots and pans and shouted from their windows and balconies: "Bolsonaro out! Bolsonaro out!"

Brazilian Attorney General Augusto Aras asked the Supreme Court to investigate Valeixo's firing.

The clash comes one week after Bolsonaro fired Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta after the two disagreed on how best to combat the spread of COVID-19. Bolsonaro has faced criticism for downplaying the pandemic despite overwhelmed healthcare facilities.

So, there was no military coup in Brazil three weeks ago as reports suggested. Bolsonaro appears to still be in control; for how long is another question.

Corruption is Everywhere and Certainly in South Korean Government

S. Korean Justice Minister resigns over corruption allegations

By Yonhap News Agency

(UPI) -- In an unexpected move, Justice Minister Cho Kuk offered to resign Monday amid an ongoing probe into corruption allegations involving his family.

"I judged I should not add a burden to the president and the government regarding my family affairs. I think the time has come for me to step down for the successful completion of prosecution reform," he said in a statement.

"I was mere 'kindling' for reforming the prosecution. My role as 'kindling' has come to an end."

President Moon Jae-in formally accepted Cho's resignation offer, Cheong Wa Dae said. The president signed a related document at 5:38 p.m., Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Ko Min-jung, said.

Cho was widely seen as the key official to push ahead Moon's prosecution reform drive.

Moon earlier voiced regret over Cho's decision to quit but also applauded his efforts to push forward with the reform drive.

"I had hoped for a prosecution reform by the fantastic combination of Justice Minister Cho and Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl, but it has become a dream-like hope," he said in a meeting with senior aides, according to the presidential office.

The president also said that Cho helped raise awareness of the need for prosecution reform and created "big traction" toward that end.

The surprise announcement comes amid a widening probe over alleged corruption by his family. His wife is suspected of forging a university award to help the couple's daughter gain admission to medical school and of involvement in a dubious private equity fund investment.

It also comes roughly a month after Cho, who previously served as a senior presidential aide for civil affairs, was appointed justice minister despite heated opposition from the conservative bloc.

The president appointed Cho to the post on Sept. 9, saying it would be a "bad precedent" to not appoint Cho solely based on allegations that have not been confirmed, referring to doubts over his family.

Just a few hours earlier, Cho held his second press briefing as a justice minister on measures to reform the prosecution. Cho stressed the importance of reforming the prosecution.

"South Korea's power comes from the people. No power can stand above the people. An organizational culture that is for the people and that is people-centric should be established at the prosecution," he said.

In the statement indicating his resignation offer, Cho mentioned the ongoing probes of his family.

"I felt apologetic to the people regarding the ongoing probes of my family but put in my best each day as justice minister to reform the prosecution. But now my role has come to an end," he said.

"Now I hope to put everything down and take care of my family, who are going through the toughest and most painful time of their lives."

Cho's family, including his wife, daughter and son, have been questioned by the prosecution several times regarding suspicions over the family's private equity investment and college admission.

A court procedure involving his wife, a university professor surnamed Chung, was scheduled to start Friday.

The controversy surrounding Cho developed into a social phenomenon involving the issues of education, political beliefs and judicial reform.

Tens of thousands of people held candlelight rallies in southern Seoul over three weekends, voicing support for Cho and his prosecution reform plans.

Opponents, however, also staged massive protests in Gwanghwamun, demanding his resignation. Conservative politicians even went on to shave their heads in groups in protest of Cho's appointment.

The issue sparked a debate on fairness in the education system as critics claimed Cho's children enjoyed benefits that landed them places in prestigious schools. Cho's defenders, however, claimed there was no wrongdoing in the process.

Cho said he is "especially sorry to the youth who were hurt" and also expressed gratitude to supporters of the reform drive, saying he "was able to hold on thanks to their will and hearts."

President Moon also acknowledged the social rift and apologized for "having caused a lot of conflict." He urged the people "to bring their hearts together" for social integration and economic growth.

First Le Pen, Now Melenchon? Another Macron Critic Has Headquarters Raided

Corruption is Everywhere - In French Politics, In French Courts?

© Twitter / Fabien Rives

Former French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon’s home has been raided by police, as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of EU funds that also targeted political firebrand and Macron critic Marine Le Pen.

The leader of France’s left-wing La France Insoumise (France Unbowed) livestreamed the unannounced intrusion on Facebook, vowing to exact revenge on France’s Minister of Justice Nicole Belloubet for the raid, which targeted his home as well as his party’s headquarters.

"Nicole Belloubet, are you proud of what you are doing? Have you forgotten everything: who are you, who I am? So you have no dignity? All shots are allowed?” he said during the livestream.

"You do not know what you're up against – a political force, not an isolated person. We will make you pay politically.”

Melenchon then urged his supporters to meet at the head office of France Unbowed in Paris for an impromptu rally. Police reportedly seized phones and computers from the headquarters as part of their investigation.

The searches are believed to be part of an ongoing probe into fraudulent claims to the EU to cover for fictitious staff members. Melenchon is also under scrutiny for alleged financial irregularities during his 2017 presidential campaign.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s right-wing National Rally, was targeted by a similar EU funds probe last year. Le Pen dismissed the allegations made against her as political persecution.

A raid on National Rally’s headquarters in February 2017, which came amid the French presidential election, was slammed by the party as a “media operation whose sole purpose is to try to disrupt the smooth running of the [Le Pen’s] presidential election campaign.”

Just last week a French court upgraded charges against Le Pen from misuse of EU funds to embezzlement!

Both Melenchon and Le Pen have been fierce critics of French President Emmanuel Macron, who triumphed over the two politicians in last year’s presidential election.

In September, Melenchon led a rally against Macron’s newly-signed labor reforms, describing the demonstration as necessary to prevent a “social coup d’etat” aimed at French workers.

So the question is, is everybody except Macron crooked? Where is the corruption, in the opposition parties, or in the government and the Justice Department?

Holocaust Must Be Central to Migrant Integration Courses – German Justice Minister

Islamization - slowing in Germany as Antisemitism rises

After a wave of anti-Israeli protests, German authorities feel arriving refugees and migrants must be firmly reminded of the country's responsibility to the Jewish state accrued during the Nazi Holocaust.

Anti-Israel and anti-US rallies and the sight of Israeli flags burned on German streets have triggered the German politicians' concerns. All people who live in Germany must understand its historical responsibility to Israel, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Friday at an event marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Jewish state.

“This responsibility does not end for the people who were born [after the Holocaust] and has no exceptions for the immigrants,” he said, adding that it is “not a subject to discussion for anyone living in Germany or willing to live there.” Justice Minister Heiko Maas took the idea further, suggesting that the issue of Holocaust should be a central part of the German integration courses for refugees and migrants.

“I believe it is absolutely necessary to make Holocaust and its significance for our society a central topic in our integration courses,” the minister said in a piece written for Der Spiegel weekly. “Lessons learnt from the Holocaust must become the key message of those [courses],” he added. At the same time, the minister pointed out that the German authorities would not tolerate any form of anti-Semitism, including that brought to Germany by refugees and migrants from the Middle East.

“Racism has no place in Germany, so everyone who wants to stay in Germany for the long term needs to be clear that we fight the Neo-Nazis’ anti-Semitism and we won’t tolerate any imported anti-Semitism from immigrants either,” Maas said. “Those who call for ‘death to Jews’ should not [be allowed to] take to the streets but should be taken to court instead,” he added.

Pro-Palestinian protests have gripped Germany in the wake of the US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel without regard for Palestinian's claim to the holy city.

Jens Spahn, a senior member of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union Party warned that the growing anti-Semitism is in fact a result of a massive inflow of refugees and migrants from the Middle East to Germany.

Which is what I have been saying for a couple years now, and not just Germany but all of Europe.

Many refugees and migrants come from countries where anti-Semitism is “an omnipresent part of the everyday life,” the politician told Der Spiegel. He went on to say that these people are likely to have deep-rooted anti-Semitic sentiments and it would take time to make them change their minds.

Like several generations, if it is at all possible.

At the same time, he demanded that the German Muslim associations take a clearer stand on the issue and help the authorities to curb anti-Semitic sentiments. “In case of anti-Islamic hatred, you have every right to expect that we will take measures against it,” he said, addressing the German Muslim leaders and adding that “it also means however, that we should all make a stand against anti-Semitism.”

Earlier, the outbreaks of anti-Semitism at Berlin’s rallies were also condemned by the Jewish community and the German politicians across the political spectrum.

Switzerland Halts Citizenship Process for Muslim Students' Family

Brothers refused to shake hands of female teachers

AFP News

Switzerland's population of eight million includes an estimated 350,000 Muslims

Switzerland has suspended the citizenship process for the family of two teenage Muslim brothers after the boys' refusal to shake hands with their female teachers sparked a national debate over religious freedoms.

The brothers, aged 14 and 15, had informed education officials in the northern municipality of Therwil that physical contact with women who are not family members violated their faith.

They were then exempted from a Swiss custom of pupils shaking teachers' hands, with Therwil officials instructing them to avoid contact with male teachers as well to avoid gender discrimination.

Oh, yes, that will take care of it!

But the compromise sparked a heated response from leading Swiss politicians including Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga who insisted that "shaking hands is part of (Swiss) culture".

Good for you, Minister Sommaruga, don't back down. Maybe some of the judges in your ministry will get a wake-up call. You're my hero today; God bless you. Hope you will be again tomorrow.

And in a remarkable moment of common sense...

On Tuesday, authorities in the canton of Basel-Country where Therwil is located, said that naturalisation proceedings for the family had been put on hold.

Basel-Country spokesman Adrian Baumgartner, in an email, confirmed a report from the ATS news agency on the suspension.

The report also noted that such suspensions are common in citizenship procedures as authorities often require supplemental information about the families concerned.

Amid the media storm that surrounded the handshake exemption, Basel-Country requested an expert legal opinion, which Therwil pledged to follow.

Mühlebodenschulhaus in Therwil

The father of the two boys, an imam based in Basel and a Syrian national, moved to Switzerland in 2001 and was granted asylum.

Basel's migration office was seeking more information about the circumstances under which the father's asylum request was approved.

Switzerland's population of eight million includes an estimated 350,000 Muslims.

Previous similar disputes have centred on Muslim parents who demanded that their daughters be exempt from swimming lessons.

Muslim families have however secured victories in court against schools which sought to ban the full face veil.

Yeah, 'cause that is definitely part of Swiss culture. What stops a boy from donning a hijab and entering the girls washroom? Or even a fully grown man?