Rio Governor Defends Himself, Claims His Suspension Is “Circus”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Investigated for alleged irregularities in health contracts and removed from office on Friday, August 28th, by a ruling of the Federal Superior Court (STJ), Governor Wilson Witzel made a statement at the Laranjeiras Palace after the outbreak of Operation “Tris In Idem” by the Federal Police.

Witzel said he is outraged by the STJ’s decision and feels persecuted by the federal government. “This search and seizure are, once again, a search and a disappointment because neither R$1 nor a jewel was found. It’s more like a circus,” he lashed out.

The governor also said that the name of Operation Tris In Idem, a reference to the fact that he is the third head of the state government accused of corruption during his term, is a mistake.

“Comparing me with Sergio Cabral is absurd. What was the oxygen rate I asked for? I never asked for it, they won’t find it,” he declared. Witzel defended himself, said he will continue working and living at the Laranjeiras Palace (the official residence of the governor and his family) and said he will fight this kind of injustice.

“I have always said that my treasure is my dignity and my family, which are suffering at this moment. I will fight against decisions that will not be sustained later, like the one that led to the mayor of Niterói, Rodrigo Neves, being held in prison for three months,” Witzel reiterated, in a clear gesture to the PDT (Democratic Labour Party) politician.

According to the ex-judge, he had no access to documents in recent days and is unaware of his charges. He justified the legal services provided by first lady Helena Witzel, accused of being her husband’s “straw-woman” and said that all invoices issued were duly declared in his wife’s income tax.

Source: Veja