Bolsonaro Claims No Interference in Federal Police, Believes Case Will Be Dismissed

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Monday, May 25th, President Jair Bolsonaro released a statement stating that he did not interfere in the Federal Police (PF) and that he believes the inquiry authorized by the Federal Supreme Court (STF) to investigate the case will be dismissed.

The inquiry began in April following Sérgio Moro’s resignation from the Ministry of Justice, claiming Bolsonaro had interfered in the force by dismissing the Director-General, Maurício Valeixo, and demanding the substitution of the head of the PF in Rio de Janeiro.

Last week, the April 22nd cabinet meeting video became public. According to Moro, the recording proves the President’s attempt at interference.

“I never interfered in the work of the Federal Police. All statements to the contrary are frivolous. The statements of several federal delegates heard confirm that I never requested information from any of them. I expect responsibility and composure in dealing with the matter,” the President said in a note.

“For the sake of justice, I believe in the logical closure of the Inquiry that prompted the disclosure of the video. I reiterate my commitment and respect for Democracy and members of the Legislative and Judiciary Branches,” added Bolsonaro.

In another passage, the President said that the time is for “everyone to unite”. “To this end, we must strive for true independence and balance between the institutions of the Republic, with mutual respect.”

Cabinet meeting video

It will be up to the Prosecutor General of the Republic, Augusto Aras, to decide whether to indict Bolsonaro or to close the inquiry.

Earlier on Monday, Aras and Bolsonaro met at the headquarters of the Office of the Prosecutor General in Brasília.

In the April cabinet meeting video, Bolsonaro said: “I cannot be surprised by the news. The PF does not give me information”. The President also said he would like to change the “security” in Rio de Janeiro.

According to Moro, Bolsonaro referred to the head of the Rio de Janeiro PF when he mentioned “security”. The President, in turn, says he was referring to his personal security in the State.

However, the President and his family’s security is handled by the Office of Institutional Security, headed by Minister Augusto Heleno, not by the Federal Police. As ‘Jornal Nacional’ (evening news) reported, rather than dismissing his security in Rio de Janeiro, ‘Bolsonaro’ promoted him.

President Bolsonaro’s full statement:

STATEMENT

Given the recent release of the April 22nd cabinet meeting video, I would like to point out the following:

I remain true to the unrestricted protection and defense of the Brazilian people, particularly the most humble and those in greatest need. I feel right at your side and I will never give that up.

I have never interfered in the work of the Federal Police. All statements to the contrary are frivolous. The statements of several federal police chiefs heard confirm that I have never requested information from any of them.

I expect responsibility and composure in dealing with the matter.

For the sake of justice, I believe in the logical closure of the Inquiry that prompted the disclosure of the video.

I reiterate my commitment and respect for Democracy and members of the Legislative and Judiciary Powers.

It is time for everyone to unite. To this end, we must strive for true independence and balance between the institutions of the Republic, with mutual respect.

Finally, to the Brazilian people, I reiterate my loyalty and commitment to the democratic values and ideals that led me to the Presidency of the Republic. I will always be at your side and will never give up the fight for freedom and democracy.

Brasília, May 25th, 2020.

Jair Messias Bolsonaro

Federal President