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Turmoil in Brazil: Bolsonaro Fires Police Chief and Justice Minister Quits Turmoil in Brazil: Bolsonaro Fires Police Chief and Justice Minister Quits
(32 minutes later)
RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil’s justice minister, Sergio Moro, a former federal judge who became the face of a powerful anti-corruption crackdown that swept Latin America, resigned Friday after accusing President Jair Bolsonaro of seeking to assert improper control of the federal police for political gain.RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil’s justice minister, Sergio Moro, a former federal judge who became the face of a powerful anti-corruption crackdown that swept Latin America, resigned Friday after accusing President Jair Bolsonaro of seeking to assert improper control of the federal police for political gain.
The resignation of Mr. Moro, one of Brazil’s most popular politicians, set off a political uproar in Brazil, as critics across the political spectrum accused the president of having undermined a key pillar of democracy.The resignation of Mr. Moro, one of Brazil’s most popular politicians, set off a political uproar in Brazil, as critics across the political spectrum accused the president of having undermined a key pillar of democracy.
In his resignation speech, Mr. Moro delivered an extraordinary parting rebuke, recounting in great detail a conversation during which he failed to persuade the president not to follow through on his plan to fire the federal police chief, Maurício Valeixo, who was forced to step down Friday morning.In his resignation speech, Mr. Moro delivered an extraordinary parting rebuke, recounting in great detail a conversation during which he failed to persuade the president not to follow through on his plan to fire the federal police chief, Maurício Valeixo, who was forced to step down Friday morning.
Brazil’s attorney general, Augusto Aras, later on Friday asked the Supreme Court to open an investigation into the outgoing minister’s account.Brazil’s attorney general, Augusto Aras, later on Friday asked the Supreme Court to open an investigation into the outgoing minister’s account.
Mr. Moro’s acrimonious departure was a volatile and unexpected development in Brazil, where the rapid spread of the coronavirus has overwhelmed hospitals and roiled the political establishment. Mr. Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the gravity of the virus, last week fired his health minister after the two clashed over strict quarantine measures to slow the contagion.Mr. Moro’s acrimonious departure was a volatile and unexpected development in Brazil, where the rapid spread of the coronavirus has overwhelmed hospitals and roiled the political establishment. Mr. Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the gravity of the virus, last week fired his health minister after the two clashed over strict quarantine measures to slow the contagion.
[Read: Hidden toll: Mexico ignores wave of coronavirus deaths in capital.][Read: Hidden toll: Mexico ignores wave of coronavirus deaths in capital.]
Mr. Moro was the eighth minister to leave Mr. Bolsonaro’s cabinet during the 15 months he has been in office.Mr. Moro was the eighth minister to leave Mr. Bolsonaro’s cabinet during the 15 months he has been in office.
“Moro’s resignation is a seismic event in Brazilian politics,” said Ilona Szabó, the executive director of Igarapé Institute, which studies public safety in Brazil. “His departure signals a dangerous new phase for Brazil.”“Moro’s resignation is a seismic event in Brazilian politics,” said Ilona Szabó, the executive director of Igarapé Institute, which studies public safety in Brazil. “His departure signals a dangerous new phase for Brazil.”
Ms. Szabó called the president’s move a “coup against democracy because the autonomy of the federal police is an essential foundation for democratic governance.”Ms. Szabó called the president’s move a “coup against democracy because the autonomy of the federal police is an essential foundation for democratic governance.”
In his resignation speech, Mr. Moro said Mr. Bolsonaro had confided that he wanted a police chief he could call directly and count on to obtain sensitive investigative information and intelligence dossiers.In his resignation speech, Mr. Moro said Mr. Bolsonaro had confided that he wanted a police chief he could call directly and count on to obtain sensitive investigative information and intelligence dossiers.
The request came as several allies of the president — including two of his sons — are under criminal investigation by the federal police and the Supreme Court.The request came as several allies of the president — including two of his sons — are under criminal investigation by the federal police and the Supreme Court.
Speaking Friday at the Justice Ministry, Mr. Moro provided a politically damaging account of his final substantive conversation with the president, which took place on Thursday.Speaking Friday at the Justice Ministry, Mr. Moro provided a politically damaging account of his final substantive conversation with the president, which took place on Thursday.
“The president said more than once, expressly, that he wanted a person he could be in touch with personally, whom he could call directly, from whom he could receive information, intelligence reports,” Mr. Moro said, describing the kind of relationship Mr. Bolsonaro wanted with a new police chief.“The president said more than once, expressly, that he wanted a person he could be in touch with personally, whom he could call directly, from whom he could receive information, intelligence reports,” Mr. Moro said, describing the kind of relationship Mr. Bolsonaro wanted with a new police chief.
Although Mr. Moro said he had urged Mr. Bolsonaro to reconsider the implications of his plan, the president was determined, Mr. Moro added, to have a federal police chief who would do his bidding.Although Mr. Moro said he had urged Mr. Bolsonaro to reconsider the implications of his plan, the president was determined, Mr. Moro added, to have a federal police chief who would do his bidding.
Mr. Moro said that the president was “worried about pending cases before the Supreme Court,” and that the change at the federal police “would also be helpful in that sense.”Mr. Moro said that the president was “worried about pending cases before the Supreme Court,” and that the change at the federal police “would also be helpful in that sense.”
After Mr. Moro spoke, the attorney general, Mr. Aras, issued a statement that the conduct described, if true, suggested Mr. Bolsonaro had broken numerous laws, including ones against corruption and obstruction of justice. If Mr. Moro’s account were to turn out false, Mr. Aras added, the minister would have committed the crime of making a “slanderous accusation.”After Mr. Moro spoke, the attorney general, Mr. Aras, issued a statement that the conduct described, if true, suggested Mr. Bolsonaro had broken numerous laws, including ones against corruption and obstruction of justice. If Mr. Moro’s account were to turn out false, Mr. Aras added, the minister would have committed the crime of making a “slanderous accusation.”
In Brazil, the attorney general is appointed by the president, and the office is independent of the Justice Ministry.In Brazil, the attorney general is appointed by the president, and the office is independent of the Justice Ministry.
Mr. Bolsonaro fired back at Mr. Moro in a lengthy, angry televised address on Friday afternoon.Mr. Bolsonaro fired back at Mr. Moro in a lengthy, angry televised address on Friday afternoon.
“I never asked to have any member of my family shielded,” Mr. Bolsonaro said, referring to Mr. Moro’s clear implication that the firing of the police chief was done in part to help protect his sons“I never asked to have any member of my family shielded,” Mr. Bolsonaro said, referring to Mr. Moro’s clear implication that the firing of the police chief was done in part to help protect his sons
Mr. Bolsonaro accused Mr. Moro of being vain, self-interested and dishonest.Mr. Bolsonaro accused Mr. Moro of being vain, self-interested and dishonest.
The president also asserted that he was empowered to hire and fire department heads at will.The president also asserted that he was empowered to hire and fire department heads at will.
“I don’t need to ask for permission from anyone to replace a director or anyone else,” Mr. Bolsonaro said in the rambling address, in which he also spoke of the heating system of the presidential palace’s pool, corporate credit cards and plastic surgery, without explaining how they were relevant to Mr. Moro’s ouster.“I don’t need to ask for permission from anyone to replace a director or anyone else,” Mr. Bolsonaro said in the rambling address, in which he also spoke of the heating system of the presidential palace’s pool, corporate credit cards and plastic surgery, without explaining how they were relevant to Mr. Moro’s ouster.
Brazil’s federal law-enforcement agencies were given a tremendous degree of independence when the country’s 21-year period of military rule ended in the late 1980s.Brazil’s federal law-enforcement agencies were given a tremendous degree of independence when the country’s 21-year period of military rule ended in the late 1980s.
Mr. Moro called the president’s dismissal of Mr. Valeixo a clear breach of a condition he set when he accepted the ministry. Mr. Moro said the president had promised him “carte blanche” in making critical law-enforcement appointments and safeguarding the political independence of institutions under his command.Mr. Moro called the president’s dismissal of Mr. Valeixo a clear breach of a condition he set when he accepted the ministry. Mr. Moro said the president had promised him “carte blanche” in making critical law-enforcement appointments and safeguarding the political independence of institutions under his command.
“I cannot stay on without being able to preserve the autonomy of the federal police,” Mr. Moro said. Failing to resign, he added, “would signal agreement with interference in the federal police that stands to have unpredictable consequences.”“I cannot stay on without being able to preserve the autonomy of the federal police,” Mr. Moro said. Failing to resign, he added, “would signal agreement with interference in the federal police that stands to have unpredictable consequences.”
Mr. Valeixo is a veteran federal police official who worked closely with Mr. Moro in corruption investigations.Mr. Valeixo is a veteran federal police official who worked closely with Mr. Moro in corruption investigations.
In joining his cabinet, Mr. Moro took a widely criticized gamble by leaving a 22-year judgeship to enter the political arena, which called into question the integrity of his work on the bench.In joining his cabinet, Mr. Moro took a widely criticized gamble by leaving a 22-year judgeship to enter the political arena, which called into question the integrity of his work on the bench.
Mr. Moro, 47, was the most visible leader of a sprawling corruption investigation known as Car Wash that began in Brazil in 2014 and rippled across the region, leading to the imprisonment of presidents and powerful business moguls.Mr. Moro, 47, was the most visible leader of a sprawling corruption investigation known as Car Wash that began in Brazil in 2014 and rippled across the region, leading to the imprisonment of presidents and powerful business moguls.
The most high-profile defendant Mr. Moro convicted as part of that operation was former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was found guilty of money laundering and corruption in July 2017. That outcome thwarted Mr. da Silva’s bid to seek a third presidential term at a time when he was the front-runner.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The most high-profile defendant Mr. Moro convicted as part of that operation was former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was found guilty of money laundering and corruption in July 2017. That outcome thwarted Mr. da Silva’s bid to seek a third presidential term at a time when he was the front-runner.
Mr. Moro’s conduct in that prosecution came under scrutiny after the Intercept Brasil, an online news site, published articles last year based on leaked private messages from the hacked phones of federal prosecutors. Those messages made clear Mr. Moro broke ethical and legal rules by providing strategic guidance to prosecutors.Mr. Moro’s conduct in that prosecution came under scrutiny after the Intercept Brasil, an online news site, published articles last year based on leaked private messages from the hacked phones of federal prosecutors. Those messages made clear Mr. Moro broke ethical and legal rules by providing strategic guidance to prosecutors.
Mr. Moro’s resignation deepens Mr. Bolsonaro’s political isolation as he steers a public health crisis that has plunged Brazil into a new economic plight.Mr. Moro’s resignation deepens Mr. Bolsonaro’s political isolation as he steers a public health crisis that has plunged Brazil into a new economic plight.
Mr. Bolsonaro has come under withering criticism for minimizing the seriousness of the coronavirus, which is spreading at an accelerated rate and overwhelming hospitals in several Brazilian states.Mr. Bolsonaro has come under withering criticism for minimizing the seriousness of the coronavirus, which is spreading at an accelerated rate and overwhelming hospitals in several Brazilian states.
The president has called the virus a “measly cold” that doesn’t warrant quarantine measures detrimental to the labor market and economic growth.The president has called the virus a “measly cold” that doesn’t warrant quarantine measures detrimental to the labor market and economic growth.
That view has sparked daily protests and a movement in Congress to impeach him.That view has sparked daily protests and a movement in Congress to impeach him.
The Social Liberal Party, or P.S.L., a right-wing party Mr. Bolsonaro joined to run for president, issued a statement calling the events that led to Mr. Moro’s departure deeply disturbing and likely criminal. Mr. Bolsonaro left the party in November after fighting with former allies.The Social Liberal Party, or P.S.L., a right-wing party Mr. Bolsonaro joined to run for president, issued a statement calling the events that led to Mr. Moro’s departure deeply disturbing and likely criminal. Mr. Bolsonaro left the party in November after fighting with former allies.
The P.S.L. called the “unjustified dismissal” of the police chief a “clear form of political interference by President Jair Bolsonaro in the fight against organized crime that not only breaks with his campaign promises, but amounts to a series of crimes of responsibility, including obstruction of justice.”The P.S.L. called the “unjustified dismissal” of the police chief a “clear form of political interference by President Jair Bolsonaro in the fight against organized crime that not only breaks with his campaign promises, but amounts to a series of crimes of responsibility, including obstruction of justice.”
Joice Hasselmann, a lawmaker from São Paulo who led the push on Mr. Bolsonaro’s agenda in Congress until October, accused the president on Friday of seeking to shield his sons from criminal investigations.Joice Hasselmann, a lawmaker from São Paulo who led the push on Mr. Bolsonaro’s agenda in Congress until October, accused the president on Friday of seeking to shield his sons from criminal investigations.
“The president is trying to meddle with the leadership of the federal police to prevent it from doing the work they need to do,” she said. “So that they don’t get to his sons.”“The president is trying to meddle with the leadership of the federal police to prevent it from doing the work they need to do,” she said. “So that they don’t get to his sons.”
Mr. Bolsonaro’s son Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator, is under investigation for allegedly skimming off the salaries of some public employees in his former office as a state lawmaker in Rio de Janeiro. Flávio Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing.Mr. Bolsonaro’s son Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator, is under investigation for allegedly skimming off the salaries of some public employees in his former office as a state lawmaker in Rio de Janeiro. Flávio Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing.
According to news reports, another son, Carlos Bolsonaro, a state lawmaker, is among the targets of an investigation by the Supreme Court into defamatory misinformation campaigns conducted online.According to news reports, another son, Carlos Bolsonaro, a state lawmaker, is among the targets of an investigation by the Supreme Court into defamatory misinformation campaigns conducted online.
During his resignation speech, Mr. Moro recounted his legacy as a judge and presented himself as a law-abiding public servant who would find other ways to serve Brazilians in the future.During his resignation speech, Mr. Moro recounted his legacy as a judge and presented himself as a law-abiding public servant who would find other ways to serve Brazilians in the future.
“What he was trying to do was maintain some of the political capital he has gained,” said Malu Gatto, an assistant professor of Latin American politics at University College London. “And distance himself from a president that seems to be increasingly toxic.”“What he was trying to do was maintain some of the political capital he has gained,” said Malu Gatto, an assistant professor of Latin American politics at University College London. “And distance himself from a president that seems to be increasingly toxic.”