Operation Acronym: Superior Court of Justice resumes today the trial of Pimentel's appeal.
The Special Court of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) resumes today (1st), at 14 pm, the trial of the appeal presented by the defense of the governor of Minas Gerais, Fernando Pimentel (PT), to guarantee prior authorization from the Legislative Assembly of the state for the receipt of the complaint filed against him; since the emergence of the first complaints, Pimentel's defense has denied that the governor has committed irregular acts.
The Special Court of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) resumes today (1st), at 14 pm, the trial of the appeal presented by the defense of the governor of Minas Gerais, Fernando Pimentel (PT), to guarantee prior authorization from the Legislative Assembly of the state for the receipt of the complaint filed against him. Pimentel was indicted in May of this year for the crimes of corruption and money laundering in Operation Acrônimo, by the Federal Police (PF).
The trial began in June but was interrupted by a request for review from Minister Luis Felipe Salomão. In the appeal, the defense argues that the court must consult the state assembly regarding the opening of the criminal case. The vote count is currently two votes against the governor.
The governor of Minas Gerais, Fernando Pimentel. (Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil)
The Special Court of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) resumes today (1st), at 14 pm, the trial of the appeal presented by the defense of the governor of Minas Gerais, Fernando Pimentel (PT), to guarantee prior authorization from the Legislative Assembly of the state for the receipt of the complaint filed against him. Pimentel was indicted in May of this year for the crimes of corruption and money laundering in Operation Acrônimo, by the Federal Police (PF).
The trial began in June but was interrupted by a request for review from Minister Luis Felipe Salomão. In the appeal, the defense argues that the court must consult the state assembly regarding the opening of the criminal case. The vote count is currently two votes against the governor.
During the trial, the case rapporteur, Minister Herman Benjamin, understood that prior authorization is not necessary. He argued, however, that Pimentel should not be automatically removed from office without justification. According to Article 92 of the Constitution of Minas Gerais, the state governor must be suspended from office for up to 180 days if a complaint is accepted by the court. rapporteur's understanding He was followed by Minister Og Fernandes.
According to the Federal Police, there is evidence that the governor, when he was Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade between 2011 and 2014, intervened to favor the automaker Caoa. In 2012, the ministry launched the Inovar Auto Program, which granted tax incentives to industries in the automotive sector. To guarantee its continued participation in the program, Caoa allegedly paid R$ 2,1 million. According to the Federal Police, the money was transferred to two companies belonging to businessman Benedito Oliveira Neto – known as Bené, a whistleblower in Operation Acrônimo.
According to the investigations, Bené owns Gráfica Brasil – a printing company that did not provide services to the automaker and was only used to issue fraudulent invoices and receive funds. Bené also worked on Pimentel's campaign for governor of Minas Gerais in 2014, according to the Federal Police.
Since the first allegations surfaced, Pimentel's defense team has stated that they are unaware of the content of Bené's testimony and deny that the governor committed any irregularities. Caoa also denies paying bribes to obtain benefits.