Brazils Police Launch Investigation into Presidential Candidate Flavio Bolsonaro

Brazil’s Supreme Court Orders Probe into Bolsonaro’s Defamatory Statements

A decision from Justice Alexandre de Moraes was published on Wednesday, allowing the Federal Police to proceed with an investigation into posts made by right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro in January. The investigation centers on whether Bolsonaro committed defamation by linking President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to crimes such as drug trafficking.

Bolsonaro had posted on social media platform X, including screenshots of a handcuffed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and an article about Lula, with insinuations that Lula was involved in international crime. He also predicted the collapse of the Sao Paulo Forum, a left-wing alliance known for its support of Lula’s presidency.

The Federal Police have 60 days to carry out their initial investigation into the matter. Bolsonaro’s campaign has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was simply reporting facts and detailing crimes against Nicolas Maduro. However, prosecutors have the option to seek heightened penalties for defamation against presidents or heads of state.

Bolsonaro and Lula are currently in a close race for the presidency ahead of October’s general election. A recent poll shows Lula slightly ahead in the first round of voting, with 37 percent of the vote compared to Bolsonaro’s 32 percent. However, if the race proceeds to a run-off, Bolsonaro polls slightly ahead.

Both candidates are well-known figures in Brazil’s political sphere, with Lula having served as president from 2003 to 2011 and previously running for re-election in 2022. Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting to subvert the results of that election.

The investigation into Bolsonaro’s statements marks the latest development in a long-standing rivalry between the two candidates.

Source: Al Jazeera