Temer government leader Jucá is indicted by Janot for the 3rd time.
Brazil's Attorney General, Rodrigo Janot, has filed charges with the Supreme Federal Court against the Senate's leader, Romero Jucá (PMDB-RR), accusing him of soliciting and receiving R$ 150 in bribes to act in favor of Odebrecht in the processing of two provisional measures in 2014; this is Janot's third indictment against Jucá in a period of seven days.
By Ricardo Brito
BRASILIA (Reuters) - The Attorney General of the Republic, Rodrigo Janot, filed a complaint with the Supreme Federal Court (STF) against the government leader in the Senate, Romero Jucá (PMDB-RR), accusing him of soliciting and receiving 150 reais in bribes to act in favor of Odebrecht in the processing of two provisional measures in 2014.
Jucá has been criminally charged with passive corruption and money laundering. This is the second indictment filed against him by Janot in less than a week.
According to the prosecution, the bribe was paid through a donation of 150 reais to the PMDB party in Roraima – this transfer later funded the campaign of Jucá's son, Rodrigo, who was then a candidate for vice-governor of that state.
In exchange, according to the Attorney General's Office, the senator acted to alter tax laws of interest to the Odebrecht group in two legislative initiatives.
"Romero Jucá effectively acted, violating his official duty, by presenting amendments, acting as rapporteur, and voting in favor of the Odebrecht group in the processing of at least two provisional measures," Janot states in the 40-page indictment.
The Attorney General also indicted former Odebrecht director Cláudio Mello Filho for active corruption and money laundering.
Jucá's lawyer, Antonio Carlos de Almeida Castro, criticized the charges brought against his client. He said the accusation is surprising because the Federal Police had not yet concluded their investigation.
"Prosecutor Janot decided to fire every arrow possible," complained Kakay, as he is known, considering that the Supreme Court will reject the acceptance of the accusation.
The defense attorney further stated that Janot did not point to any act committed by Jucá in the indictment. "He is really being accused because of the prestige he had, and the businessman was betting on his prestige," he said. "It's a case of criminalizing parliamentary activity without pointing to any quid pro quo."