Pazuello on AI-5: "Let history judge. That's the past, it's over."

247 - O Acting Minister of Health, General Eduardo PazuelloHe said he doesn't know what Institutional Act No. 5 (AI-5) was, in an interview with Veja. AI-5 further tightened the regime during the Brazilian military dictatorship and was responsible for the period of greatest repression during that time.

“I was born in 1963, I don’t even know what AI-5 is, I never even studied to find out what it is. Let history judge. That’s the past, it’s over,” he stated. He was answering a question about threats to democracy in Brazil. According to the general, the demonstrations in defense of the dictatorship and against the other branches of government. These are examples of how "democracy is in its fullness."

The AI-5 was decreed in 1968, closing the National Congress, suspending political rights, and authorizing the actions of torturers.

Pazuello also spoke about the statements by Minister Gilmar MendesIn a statement by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) regarding the Armed Forces, Gilmar Mendes said that the Army was associating itself with genocide by remaining in control of the Ministry of Health during the coronavirus pandemic, which, due to the federal government's interference, has already killed more than 75 people. 

The general, however, said he wasn't bothered. "It was a very poorly worded, inappropriate conversation, at the wrong time, and from someone who didn't need to say it. But..." Minister Gilmar and I have already spoken.", said.

He, however, defended the leadership of the Ministry of Health. “What’s the problem with that? Military personnel are human resources trained and paid for by the taxpayer. This stigma needs to end,” he declared.

The military officer also defended Jair Bolsonaro's denialist policies regarding the pandemic. "Perhaps it's not so negative to have someone saying that there's no need to be so afraid. It gives a little hope that life can be normal," he stated.