Court removes top police officials
In a ruling that deepens the crisis in Brazil's judicial system, Supreme Federal Court Justice André Mendonca on Tuesday dismissed the director general of the Federal Police, Andrei Rodrigues, and the head of intelligence, Leandro Almada. The decision comes amid growing political instability as the country's October national elections draw near.[S1]
Mendonca, appointed by former President Jair Bolsonaro, argued that both officials were involved in preparing six illegal reports about his activities until late August. The dismissal is part of a broader context of sensitive investigations that Mendonca oversees, including the collapse of Banco Master and possible fraud in Brazil's pension system.[S1]
Government response and police reaction
The government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has not yet responded on whether it will appeal the court's decision. Lula, who is seeking re-election, faces a tough contest against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the former president, who is currently sentenced to 27 years in prison for an attempted coup.[S1]
In response to the dismissal, William Marcel Murad, interim executive director of the Federal Police, defended confidence in Rodrigues and assured that agents will not let themselves be affected by these attacks. However, 11 directors of the force have offered their resignations in support of their superiors, arguing that the accusations lack foundation and are influenced by political interests.[S1]
Clash with Justice de Moraes
Mendonca's decision adds to a strong clash with Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who last year sentenced Bolsonaro to prison. Last week, Mendonca declassified documents revealing that Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro had sought legal advice from de Moraes before his arrest, which has put considerable pressure on the judge to resign.[S1]
Brazilian media have reported that Mendonca seeks to suspend de Moraes from the court while investigating his possible corruption. In turn, de Moraes has requested that Mendonca be investigated for interviewing Vorcaro without the presence of federal police agents or prosecutors. Tensions have escalated to the point that thousands of Flávio Bolsonaro supporters demonstrated in Sao Paulo, calling for de Moraes's removal and showing support for Mendonca.[S1]
