Brazil’s supreme court has authorised a police investigation into President Jair Bolsonaro, heightening tensions and raising the prospect of further political turbulence in Latin America’s largest democracy.
The decision by Justice Celso de Mello to allow a formal probe by federal police comes just days after the shock resignation of justice minister Sérgio Moro. He had accused the president of political interference in police work.
At a press conference announcing his departure, the former star minister made a string of allegations against the Brazilian leader, including influence-peddling, obstruction of justice and misrepresentation of public documents. The claims triggered a request for investigation by the attorney-general, which late on Monday was accepted by the Supreme Court.