Justice Carlos Velloso, of the Brazilian Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal), has ordered the continuation of expulsion (impeachment) processes against seven federal deputies of the ruling Workers Party (PT).
The deputies are accused of involvement in a supposed vote buying scheme. The Velloso ruling overturns a prior ruling by the Chief Justice, Nelson Jobim, halting the processes so the accused could make their defense.
According to a note from the court, Velloso made his decision based on the fact that the accused, João Paulo Cunha, Josias Gomes da Silva, Professor Luizinho, Paulo Roberto Galvão da Rocha, José Mentor, João Magno de Moura and José Dirceu, have had five legislative sessions to make their defense.
In a related decision, Velloso denied other deputies, Vadão Gomes, José Janene, Pedro Corrêa (all in the PT), Pedro Henry (PP), and José Borba (PMDB) a suspension of the expulsion processes being moved against them.
ABr