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New Evidence Emerges of Brazilian President Seeking to Shield Family from
Police Probe

VOA News

   A videotape has emerged showing Brazilian President
   JairBolsonarotelling his Cabinet that he wanted to personally choose
   the head of the federal police office in Rio de Janeiro to shield his
   family from investigation.

   The videotape was viewed Tuesday by investigators looking into
   accusations made by former Justice Minister Sergio Moro that the
   president is trying to interfere in ongoing police investigations.

   Sources sayBolsonarotold his Cabinet in the videotape that he wanted to
   change the leadership of the federal police office because his family
   is being persecuted.

   But hours after the videotape was viewed, the president said that he
   was instead expressing concern about his family's safety.Bolsonaroalso
   said there has never been any investigation of his family by the
   federal police, and that the videotape should have been destroyed.

   Rio de Janeiro 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.

   Brazil's Supreme Court ordered an investigation into Moro's accusations
   after Moro, a popular anti-corruption crusader, abruptly resigned
   fromBolsonaro'scabinet last month after the president fired the federal
   police chief.

   The growing scandal is likely to further damageBolsonaro'salready
   sinking approval ratings over his stubborn approach to the coronavirus
   pandemic, which has soared to over 177,000 confirmed cases, including
   12,400 fatalities. The health ministry reported 881 fatalities over a
   24 hour period on Tuesday, its deadliest day since the start of the
   outbreak.

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