House punts on vote on congressman accused of murder

The House Constitution and Justice Committee postponed a vote on Tuesday on whether to confirm or reject a Supreme Court decision that led Congressman Chiquinho Brazão to jail for obstruction of justice in the case where he is accused of being one of the masterminds behind the 2018 murders of Rio de Janeiro City Councilor Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes.

Under Brazil’s Constitution, each legislative chamber can decide whether or not to uphold a prison decision made before a sentence against one of its members.

Three lawmakers requested more time for discussions: Gilson Marques, Roberto Duarte, and Fausto Pinato, each from a different right-wing party. Such motions are not up for a vote.

At the start of the session, Congressman Arthur Oliveira Maia, a member of the União Brasil party, which expelled Mr. Brazão soon after his arrest, said that he would not ask for a postponement but that other lawmakers had the right to do so.

Mr. Brazão’s attorney, Cleber Lopes, argued that the facts investigated by the Federal Police took place in 2018, when his client was not yet a congressman, and thus the Supreme Court would have no jurisdiction to order his arrest. However, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the arrest for obstruction of justice after the double murder.

Mr. Brazão spoke directly from jail via video conference to his fellow lawmakers, claiming he had a “simple” debate with the late Ms. Franco over a bill about land rights in the city — one of the key motivations for her murder, according to the Federal Police.

Congressman Pedro Campos of the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) said that the committee “washed its hands” and “played the role” of Pontius Pilate, noting that Easter will be celebrated next Sunday. Other left-wing lawmakers also protested the decision to postpone a vote.

Congressman Chico Alencar of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), the same as Ms. Franco, said that the committee in practice postponed the decision to April 10 because of the activities in the House calendar.

House Speaker Arthur Lira told the press that the final decision would be taken to the floor under the “regular” procedure without committing to a date.

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