Today, federal prosecutors open preliminary investigation into how Bolsonaro is handling of the coronavirus collapse in the Amazon. Vale signs bumper compensation agreement for Brumadinho tragedy. Foreign investors have renewed interest in Brazilian stocks.
Bolsonaro faces possible investigation on pandemic handling
At the request of left-wing parties, Brazil’s Federal Prosecution Office has opened a preliminary probe into President Jair Bolsonaro’s conduct regarding the health crisis in northern states Amazonas and Pará. The birthplace of a new coronavirus variant, the region has experienced a brutal second wave of infections — and Manaus, the biggest city in the Amazon, has run out of oxygen supplies.
- This “preliminary probe” does not mean that Mr. Bolsonaro will face prosecution just yet. In this first stage, prosecutors examine whether there are reasonable indications of potential wrongdoing, and only then is a formal investigation opened. Last week, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello was formally placed under investigation for his handling of the Manaus crisis.
- So far, Prosecutor General Augusto Aras has not caused problems for President Bolsonaro, who appointed him to the role back in 2019. Sources in Brasília tell The Brazilian Report that Mr. Pazuello could be turned into a scapegoat to shield the president.
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