Tough anti-corruption magistrate becomes Brazil's Chief Justice: possible clashes with the Bolsonaro
Saturday, September 12th 2020 - 10:34 UTC
Luiz Fux assumed as chief justice of Brazil’s Supreme Court this week as the institution nears crucial rulings involving President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters and his eldest son. A top court justice since 2011, Fux is known for his tough stance against crime and his support of Operation Carwash, an investigation that has ensnared dozens of powerful businessmen and politicians over the past six years.
As Chief Justice he will now lead the court through a number of cases that could pit it against the nation’s president, including a ruling on the future of Bolsonaro’s allies who are accused of spreading fake news, and a decision on which jurisdiction will oversee an investigation into Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
Fux’s rise comes amid heightened political polarization and spats among different branches of power. President Bolsonaro has openly criticized members of the court on several occasions earlier this year, and some of his supporters have called for the institution to be shut down.
“The judiciary will not hesitate to make decisions to protect democracy and freedom of press,” Fux said during his swearing-in ceremony in Brasilia. “I will spare no effort to strengthen the fight against corruption that still happens under the shadows in our country.”
More:
https://en.mercopress.com/2020/09/12/tough-anti-corruption-magistrate-becomes-brazil-s-chief-justice-possible-clashes-with-the-bolsonaro-family
