The latest developments in the investigation against Jair Bolsonaro. The decree to shield elected officials from all liability during the pandemic. The rising number of infections. And Petrobras’ losses.
Feds, crime, and videotape
Supreme Court Justice Celso de Mello is expected to rule today on whether or not to lift the secrecy of a video recording of an April 22 cabinet meeting. The footage became the central piece of evidence in the investigation into whether or not President Jair Bolsonaro illegally interfered with the Federal Police. On Thursday evening, the Solicitor General’s Office pleaded that the court only use segments of the video in the case, for “national security” reasons. In its request, the government itself released part of the sensitive content.
Why it matters. The move is part of a strategy to deflate the shocking effect the footage might have. But it also has a legal justification: if the entire conversation is admitted into evidence by Justice Celso de Mello, other crimes might surface.
- Education Minister Abraham Weintraub reportedly suggested sending all 11 Supreme Court justices to jail. And Época‘s Guilherme Amado reports that Mr. Bolsonaro said Brazil should arm its citizens against state governors. Both comments could...