RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The election of a new rapporteur was decided by Federal Supreme Court (STF) Chief Justice Luiz Fux, after Justice Celso de Mello’s retirement this month. The election-by-lot was conducted through the STF’s electronic system.
The inquiry against Bolsonaro was initiated at the request of the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR), after Minister Sérgio Moro stepped down from the Ministry of Justice claiming that the President had tried to interfere in the Federal Police (PF) command. Bolsonaro has been denying any wrongdoing.
Fux decided on the election-by-lot under the argument that criminal investigations demand rapid progress, according to the Justice’s press office.
Attorneys for ex-minister Sergio Moro, who is also a target of the inquiry, had petitioned Fux for the measure.
In the absence of the election-by-lot, the investigation would be handled by the future STF Justice to fill Celso de Mello’s seat.
Bolsonaro appointed federal judge Kassio Nunes Marques to the post, but he still needs to undergo confirmation hearings in the Senate to be appointed to the post – scheduled for today, October 21st.
Fake news inquiry
Moraes is also the rapporteur of the so-called fake news inquiry, which investigates the spread of false news and threats to members of the Court. Recently, the investigation began to target politicians, entrepreneurs and bloggers who support President Bolsonaro.
The Justice also leads the investigation into the organization and financing of antidemocratic rallies in Brazil. This investigation also targeted legislators, entrepreneurs and bloggers who support the Bolsonaro government with search and seizure operations.
The protests advocated the re-issuance of AI-5, a so-called “institutional act” that in 1968 hardened the military dictatorship in the country and paved the way for the closure of Congress, among other anti-democraic measures.
The Justice is also responsible for the decision that blocked the appointment of Alexandre Ramagem as Director General of the Federal Police. At the time, Bolsonaro criticized the decision, but ultimately abandoned Ramagem’s nomination.
Source: UOL