Today last day for Brazil's suspended president to submit written defense

Today (June 1st) is the last of the 20 days' deadline set for President Dilma Rousseff, who is currently suspended from office, to present a preliminary defense in the impeachment case against her, which is being tried at the Senate. Former attorney-general José Eduardo Cardozo, who argued Rousseff's defense ever since the case began being examined at the Chamber of Deputies, is expected to hand in her written defense arguments to the Procedural Impeachment Commission.

Tomorrow (2), the commission will hold a meeting to discuss the work schedule. Proceedings will move to gathering evidence for and against the case. The timetable further includes testimonies from witnesses and an expert, in addition to the procurement of documents. The schedule sets a moment for the plaintiffs to present their arguments again and another one for Rousseff's defense, she may choose to personally appear before the commission or be represented by her counsel. From there, the lawmakers decide whether there is probable cause to prosecute Rousseff and whether it should be brought to a final decision.

A work schedule was tabled last week by Senator Antonio Anastasia, who is in charge of drafting the commission reports, but its consideration was put off after senators opposed to ousting the suspended president asked for time to review the case, warning against haste in handling the proceedings. The work schedule will only be put to approval tomorrow at the commission meeting.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta / Mayra Borges

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