Brazilian Ambassador in the United States Rebuts New York Times Criticism of Corruption

06/17/2016 - 11h25

Brazil's Ambassador in Washington (USA), Luiz Alberto Figueiredo, on Thursday the 16th, rebutted criticism regarding corruption in Brazil that was published in the American newspaper "The New York Times".

On June 6, the Journal's Board published an editorial entitled "Brazil's Gold Medal for Corruption" asserting that the privileged forum afforded Brazilian congressmen and ministers "enabled a culture of institutionalized corruption and impunity".

Figueiredo pushed back arguing that the privileged forum doesn't impede Brazilian congressman and ministers from being charged and condemned, but only guarantees that they are granted judgment by the STF (Brazilian Supreme Court).

According to the Ambassador, the vision that "Brazilian institutions are suspect to politics and capricious" is outdated.

"There is no longer room in Brazil for giving refuge to friends of the powerful. The law is the same for everyone - including Presidents and ex-Presidents", he declared.

"Michael Temer, the interim President, has declared publically - and repeatedly - his commitment to continuing the investigations that are ongoing, without political or party discrimination whatsoever."

"Brazil should be awarded the gold medal, not for corruption, but to the contrary, for the courage for fighting against corruption", he finished.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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