Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under investigation. He is said to have ‘harassed’ a humpback whale with a jet ski last year. If the allegations prove true, the ex-president could face several years in prison. He already has other lawsuits to his name.
Bolsonaro appeared at the federal police station in the city of São Paulo on Tuesday to meet with police officers as part of the investigation. He was accompanied by his lawyer and former advisor, who was at the scene of the incident in June 2023.
Drove up close and filmed with a mobile phone
As seen in a video circulating on social media, a man on a jet ski rode close to a whale off the coast of São Paulo while filming with a cell phone. Investigators believe the man was Bolsonaro and came within about 50 feet of the animal.
Up to five years in prison
Brazilian law requires motorized water vehicles to maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from whales and dolphins. Anyone who deliberately comes closer risks a fine or prison sentence of up to two years, and in extreme cases even up to five years.
For Bolsonaro’s supporters, who are still very numerous in Brazil, the case is yet another example of how the former head of state is being legally persecuted for political motives. He himself has made this accusation several times.
Various procedures are underway
Various proceedings are underway against the 68-year-old. Last week he was questioned in the capital Brasilia over allegations that he is planning a coup to oust his successor as president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Hundreds of Bolsonaro supporters stormed the government district in January 2023. Here too he risks a prison sentence.
Further proceedings concern the alleged abuse of his economic and political power in connection with the 2022 presidential elections, which he subsequently lost.
Ban from holding office until 2030
Because he attacked the electoral system in the run-up to the elections and wrongly questioned the reliability of electronic voting, Bolsonaro was barred from serving in office until 2030 last year.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
