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Brazil's Ex-Justice Minister Reportedly Said President Personally Pushed for
New Police Chief in Rio

VOA News

   Former Brazilian Justice MinisterSerigoMoro has reportedly told
   investigators that President JairBolsonarowanted to personally pick the
   head of the federal police office in Rio de Janeiro to get access to
   ongoing investigations that involve his sons.

   Brazilian news outlets said Moro made the allegation during a lengthy
   deposition last Saturday, according to documents they obtained and
   published Tuesday. Moro reportedly said the president told him "you
   have 27 police superintendents. I only want one, in Rio de Janeiro."

   Rio isBolsonaro'shometown and where his two sons are prominent
   politicians: Flavio, a senator, and Carlos, a Rio city councilman. Both
   sons are under investigation for various allegations by local
   prosecutors and police.

   Moro, a popular anti-corruption crusader, abruptly resigned
   fromBolsonaro'scabinet last month after the president fired the federal
   police chief. Moro accused the president of trying to interfere in
   ongoing investigations, although he did not specify which
   investigations.

   Bolsonarohas denied inappropriate motives for the changes andthathe is
   trying to deflect criminal probes targeting his sons.

   Bolsonaro'sproposed pick for the Rio de Janeiro police chief was
   rejected by Brazilian lawmakers.

   Brazil's Supreme Court, which ordered an investigation into Moro's
   claims, gave prosecutors permission Tuesday to interview three members
   ofBolsonaro'scabinet in connection with the probe. The court
   rejectedBolsonaro'sfirst choice to replace the federal police chief due
   to reports of a longstanding close relationship.

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