Admiral Othon: there was international interest in my arrest.

247 - Accused of receiving bribes totaling R$ 4,5 million from construction companies involved in projects at Angra 3, the former president of Eletronuclear, Othon Luiz Pinheiro da Silva, was imprisoned for two years and received one of the harshest sentences in the Lava Jato corruption scandal: 43 years in prison for corruption, money laundering, tax evasion, and organized crime.

Considered one of the most important Brazilian scientists and the father of the country's nuclear program, Admiral Othon, 78, as he is known, was isolated in a cell and says he learned to eat with his hands. Released last month, he rarely goes out in public and cries frequently.

In this interview with Folha, the soldier, who is recovering from skin cancer, claims innocence and says he has a "strong feeling" that his arrest was carried out under the auspices of "international interests."

"In July [of 2005], I learned that there was a list [in Lula's government] to choose the president of Eletronuclear. I didn't want to."

But then I made the biggest mistake of my life. I was invited. Vanity got the better of me and I accepted. In October 2005, I took the job," he says.

Admiral Othon says his role in the Brazilian nuclear program has displeased international interests.

"Everything I did [in the nuclear field] was met with disapproval. What's the biggest news story today? North Korea and its nuclear activities. The nuclear aspect generates rejection in the international community."

And Brazil being a nuclear power is unpopular. Of that I have no doubt whatsoever."

The information is from Report by Mônica Bergamo in Folha de S.Paulo.