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Demosthenes is dismissed and driven out: 56 to 19

One of the biggest political frauds Brazil has ever known has come to an end; in a historic vote, the Senate impeaches Demóstenes Torres, who lent his mandate to the racketeer Carlos Cachoeira; the greatest sin of the politician from Goiás, the "musketeer of ethics," was hypocrisy in public life.

Demosthenes is ousted and driven out: 56 to 19 (Photo: Edição/247)

247 - He finished.

By a vote of 56 in favor, 19 against, and five abstentions, in a historic session, the Senate impeached one of its members for the second time – the only previous instance being that of Senator Luiz Estevão.

Demóstenes Torres, from Goiás, elected by the DEM party in 2002 and re-elected in 2010, was not only impeached. He was also ostracized by his peers.

"You have mortally wounded the dignity of the mandate," said Senator Pedro Taques (PDT/MT), who reported on the process in the Constitution and Justice Committee. His report was unanimously approved.

"What condemns him is his past," said Senator Humberto Costa (PT-PE), who reported on the process in the Ethics Council. His report was also unanimously approved.

Had the impeachment vote been held in plenary session, Demóstenes Torres would also have been ousted from public life by a unanimous vote.

Demosthenes will not be missed in the Senate.

During his time in office, he was one of the greatest enemies of freedom and the right to self-defense, always ready to throw stones at anyone in exchange for a few more moments of fame.

Demosthenes is leaving none too soon.

Goodbye.