Demosthenes will remain suspended from the Public Prosecutor's Office until March.
The decision was made this Wednesday, the 30th, by the National Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office (CNMP) in response to a request from the case's rapporteur, inspector Jeferson Coelho, who asked for more time to investigate possible irregularities committed by the former senator.
Deborah Zampier
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Brasilia – Former senator Demóstenes Torres, who was dismissed last year for involvement with illegal gambling operator Carlinhos Cachoeira, will remain suspended from his duties at the Goiás Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPGO) at least until March. The decision was taken today (30) by the National Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (CNMP) in response to a request from the case’s rapporteur, inspector Jeferson Coelho, who asked for more time to investigate possible irregularities committed by the former parliamentarian.
Demóstenes Torres joined the MPGO (Public Prosecutor's Office of Goiás) in 1987, but had been away from his duties since 1999, when he took up political positions in Goiás and later in Brasília. As soon as his Senate mandate was revoked in July of last year, Demóstenes tried to resume his activity as a prosecutor, but was prevented by administrative decisions of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
In the CNMP (National Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office), the disciplinary process was unanimously opened in October of last year, with the determination to suspend the prosecutor for 60 days, extendable for an equal period. The decision also determined the transfer of the administrative procedure, which was underway in Goiás, to Brasília, as requested in a petition signed by 82 prosecutors and public prosecutors working in the state.
In today's session, the CNMP analyzed Demóstenes' appeal against the decision. The prosecutor pointed to illegality in the breach of judicial secrecy, the impossibility of dismissal in his case, lack of grounds for removal, and the impossibility of a full defense.
By unanimous vote, the council members followed the opinion of the inspector general, Jeferson Coelho, rejecting all arguments and extending the suspension period for another 60 days. While the process is underway, Demóstenes will continue to receive his salary as a prosecutor in Goiás, which exceeds R$ 20. In addition to the administrative process, Demóstenes Torres faces criminal charges in the Court of Justice of Goiás (TJGO) related to the Cachoeira case.
Edited by: Fernando Fraga