The Brazilian Judicial Administrative Department announced disciplinary actions against every state attorney who worked in lawsuits against politicians actively campaigning for election or reelection.
Among recent targets of such lawsuits are presidential candidates Geraldo Alckmin (PSDB) and Fernando Haddad (PT).
Department chief Orlando Rochadel decided to act after receiving memos from a department advisor that requested that some irregular actions from state prosecutors be investigated.
It's not against Brazilian law to file a criminal complaint or arrest campaigning politicians. However, they can't be arrested when there are less than 15 days before election day.
Prosecutors from Operation Carwash, who two days ago started an operation against Beto Richa (PSDB), former governor of Paraná who is seeking a seat in the Senate, reacted against the decision.
They say that investigating state attorneys is comparable to a "gag order". "Investigation and complaint filing operate in a different timing than politics," they said.
Mato Grosso governor Reinaldo Azambuja (PSDB), who is seeking reelection while being investigated for corruption, was subjected to a search warrant from the Federal Police this Wednesday (12th).
Translated by NATASHA MADOV