Brazil's High Court Approves Investigation into Bolsonaro - Corruption is Everywhere

By Clyde Hughes

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, shown in Jerusalem on March 31, 2019, is facing an investigation Monday

after being accused of meddling with the federal police. Photo by Heidi Levine/UPI | License Photo

April 28 (UPI) -- The Brazilian Supreme Court Monday approved an investigation into whether controversial President Jair Bolsonaro tried to interfere with the country's federal police.

Justice Minister Sergio Moro accused Bolsonaro Friday of trying to replace the head of federal police, the equivalent to the FBI, with someone more willing to share intelligence and police business with him.

"The president of the republic ... is also subject to the laws, just like any other of the country's citizens," Supreme Court Judge Celso de Mello said Monday. "No one, absolutely no one, is entitled to infringe and show contempt for our country's laws and constitution."

Sergio Moro submitted his resignation last week in protest of this move.

Local media said Bolsonaro's interest in removing the federal police head centered around an investigation involving his son Carlos Bolsonaro and the dissemination of fake news.

"The president emphasized to me, explicitly, more than once, that he wanted someone [to lead the federal police] who was a personal contact, whom he could call, from whom he could get information, intelligence reports," Moro said.

Carlos Bolsonaro and his brother Flavio are also under investigation for embezzlement. Bolsonaro said accusations that he tried to shield his sons from prosecution are unfounded. He said he was also well within the law if he wanted to replace the leader of the federal police.

"The prerogative is mine, and the day I have to submit to any of my subordinates, I cease to be president of the republic," Bolsonaro said last week.

I could live with that!

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.