Fearing pandemic investigations, Bolsonaro curses opposition senators

In a phone conversation with Senator Jorge Kajuru to discuss the impending parliamentary hearings committee (CPI) into the government’s mismanagement of the pandemic, President Jair Bolsonaro called Senator Randolfe Rodrigues “a piece of shit,” and talked of his desire to “beat him up.” Mr. Rodrigues is the author of the pandemic CPI. 

After the recording was leaked by Mr. Kajuru himself, the content of the conversation caused a frenzy, with Mr. Bolsonaro saying he does not want to be the only target of the investigation, suggesting his government is being persecuted. The president asked Mr. Kajuru to make sure the CPI also investigates mayors and state governors, with whom Mr. Bolsonaro has been at loggerheads over coronavirus restrictions. 

“If they [the committee] hear only our people, they will produce a devious report,” Mr. Bolsonaro said. The president also requested an impeachment process against Supreme Court justices. 

After the collapse of the Brazilian health system due to the increase of Covid-19 cases, combined with the federal government’s negligence regarding vaccination, many organizations have requested Mr. Bolsonaro’s impeachment, including complaints to international human rights courts.

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