"Suspected leaks will be punished immediately!"
This was the message from the new Minister of Justice. He indicated that any information leak regarding a Lava-Jato invetigation by the Federal Police will result in the immediate removal of the entire investigative team prior to an investigation of the leak. The Minister added that it is sufficient that he simply suspect a leak for him to take said action.
The new Minister is reportedly sympathetic to the PT and his statement so indicates. The Federal Police responded in kind with the statement that any such action will be met with legal, and if necessary extra-legal measures to enture the entity's right to independently investigate crime.
The spokesman for the Feds emphasized that any suspicion of leaking information will be rigorously investigated and the party or parties responsible held accountable but it does not accept summary dismissal of an entire team on the basis of a suspicion.
It's clear that the Minister's statement is designed to weaken Lava-Jato and put pressure on Judge Sergio Moro and if the Minister acts on his promise, you can expect trouble both on the streets and within the Justice Ministry.
It is not a coincidence that this statement comes precisely at a time when the case against former President Lula has been returned to Judge Sergio Moro and one of the issues is whether Lula should be subject to preventive detention pending further charges or dismissal of the case.
Lula remains outside the protective shield of the Supreme Court until such time as his appointment to Dilma's cabinet is confirmed. The appointment was cancelled by a court order currently under analysis by the Supreme Court and a decision is unlikely until aftter the Easter recess - i.e. on or about 29 March. In the meantime, the former President will have to simply sit on pins and needles.
If anything breaks in this matter, I will let you know!
No comments:
Post a Comment