Brazilian environmental agency Ibama says the case against Bolsonaro for illegal fishing has expired.
In a technical opinion dated the 1st of this month, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) states that the environmental infraction process against President Jair Bolsonaro for fishing in an environmental preservation area on the Costa Verde, in Angra dos Reis (RJ), has expired; the opinion comes in the wake of the dismissal of 22 Ibama superintendents throughout the country, citing the need for "alignment with the government".
247 - In a technical opinion dated the 1st of this month, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) states that the environmental infraction process against President Jair Bolsonaro for fishing in an environmental preservation area on the Costa Verde, in Angra dos Reis (RJ), has expired. Ibama had already annulled a R$ 10 fine applied to Bolsonaro in relation to the case.
In the opinion that cleared the president, Ibama alleges that the infraction expired a year and two months ago. The final decision now rests with the new superintendent of Ibama in Rio, Alexandre Dias da Cruz. Dias took office on the 8th of this month, after the Minister of the Environment dismissed 22 Ibama superintendents across the country, citing the need for "alignment with the government."
Both Bolsonaro and Salles have publicly condemned what they consider an "excess of fines" by the environmental agency. Bolsonaro was caught by Ibama inspectors on January 25, 2012, while fishing within the limits of the prohibited area.