Politics

Brazil’s Bar Association wants to press charges against Bolsonaro

The highly respected OAB claims the president is guilty of a series of crimes, such as endangering the lives and health of Brazilian citizens

bolsonaro Demonstration calling for Bolsonaro's impeachment. Photo: Angela Macario/Shutterstock
Demonstration calling for Bolsonaro’s impeachment. Photo: Angela Macario/Shutterstock

As Brazil surpasses the sad milestone of 300,000 Covid-19 deaths, the country’s bar association has decided to take action against far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. With infections going through the roof as new coronavirus variants circulate unchecked around the country, the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) issued a request to the Prosecutor General’s Office to file criminal charges against the president, holding him responsible for his disastrous pandemic response.

Issuing the plea was a unanimous decision by OAB’s federal board, made up of 81 lawyers — three from each of Brazil’s states.

The OAB’s request coincided with Mr. Bolsonaro’s televised address to the nation on Tuesday evening, in which the coronavirus-skeptic president played fast and loose with the truth by suggesting his government has always worked hard to combat Covid-19, which is a lie. Indeed, the worsening pandemic scenario has left Mr. Bolsonaro cornered by...

Don't miss this opportunity!

Interested in staying updated on Brazil and Latin America? Subscribe to start receiving our reports now!