Sarney: Sérgio Machado is a "moral monster"

247 - Former Transpetro president Sérgio Machado, who recorded conversations between former president José Sarney (PMDB-AP), Senate president Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL), and senator Romero Jucá (PMDB-AL), has fallen from being considered a friend of the Sarney family to being labeled a "moral monster" and an "abject person" by the PMDB member.

The expressions were used in a statement released by Sarney to defend himself against Machado's accusations that he had received R$ 20 million in bribes. One of the recordings made by Machado was made in a hospital where Sarney was hospitalized. According to lawyer Antonio Carlos de Almeida Castro, known as Kakay, who is responsible for Sarney's defense, the former president is prepared to sue Sérgio Machado.

Here is the full text of José Sarney's statement:

The full text of José Sarney's statement.

In light of media reports that Mr. Sérgio Machado, in a plea bargain, allegedly stated that he gave me twenty million reais, I hereby protest, deny, and repudiate such a statement.

The utter lack of character of someone who, as my friend for over twenty years, regularly frequented my home, had lunch and dinner with me, and always visited me, had the villainy to record our conversations, even in the hospital, reveals the moral monster that he is.

I will sue him for false accusation, of which I am a victim, since I have no involvement whatsoever in the facts investigated by Operation Lava Jato or in any other wrongdoing. I do not rule out the possibility of a setup.

Mr. Sérgio Machado's conduct demonstrates his complete lack of credibility.

I despise such an abject person, and I insist, I will sue them.