Supreme Court justice allows inquiry into Temer

Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin decided to open an inquiry into President Michel Temer. The measure was taken following plea bargain statements by executives Joesley Batista and Wesley Batista, owner of the JBS group, which controls meatpacker Friboi.

The statements are expected to be disclosed today. The nature of their contents, however, was unveiled in a report by newspaper O Globo yesterday (May 17). In the story, in a meeting recorded on audio by executive Joesley Batista, Temer is alleged to have suggested that the monthly payments to former lower house speaker Eduardo Cunha and currency dealer Lúcio Funaro be kept in exchange for their silence.

The president's press office released a note last night saying President Michel Temer “has never requested payments to keep former [Congress] Deputy Eduardo Cunha silent.” Cunha was arrested under Operation Car Wash.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira