Brazil: Courts resume investigations into President Temer

Event

On Tuesday, June 6, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court resumed investigating evidence that the 2014 electoral victory of former President Dilma Roussef and her running mate and current president, Michel Temer, was funded through illegal donations and the payment of bribes. Although the court was scheduled to deliver its final ruling on Thursday, June 8, an extension to the end of the week is likely. Associated protests in the coming days are possible.

Another investigation against President Temer by the Supreme Court is ongoing for alleged crimes of passive corruption, obstruction of justice, and illicit association.

Context

Former President Roussef was impeached and removed from office on August 31,  2016, on accusations of manipulating the federal budget for the sake of masking the country's plunging economy.

Recent corruption allegations affecting Temer and his administration have increased popular discontent and deepened an already acute political crisis. A recorded conversation of President Temer purportedly showing him discussing the payment of hush money to a jailed politician led to the opening of a formal probe by the Supreme Court on May 19. The scandal has sparked various protests and prompted eight impeachment filings. Temer has reiterated that he will not step down.

On a related note, Brazil has seen a series of protests in response to reforms proposed by President Temer. Numerous opposition groups, labor unions, and civil society organizations consider Rousseff's ouster and Temer's arrival in office to be illegitimate.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to keep abreast of the situation.