Brazil appeals to Rome Court to extradite Pizzolato

The Attorney-General's Office (AGU) filed an appeal with the Court of Cassations in Rome, Italy, on Wednesday (Nov. 19) against a decision by the Court of Appeals of Bologna to turn down a petition to extradite Henrique Pizzolato, former Marketing Director for Banco do Brasil. He was sentenced to over 12 years' imprisonment on charges of money laundering and corruption.

The appellant maintains that the allegations of widespread human rights violations in Brazil's prison system maintained by the court of Bologna do not provide sufficient ground to deny extradition. “They have to verify that there is material and specific risk that the defendant will be exposed to inhuman or degrading treatment if extradited,” the attorneys said.

Moreover, AGU argued that the imprisonment sentence is to be served in Papuda Penitentiary where there are no records of abuse against convicts in the same case that were sent there. They also recommended prisons in the state of Santa Catarina, which are also in good condition to ensure the fundamental rights of prisoners can be protected.

On Monday (17), the Public Prosecution in Italy also appealed the decision to deny extradition. Even if the appeals are denied, an appeal against the denial of the request for extradition of Pizzolato. But even if the decision not to extradite Pizzolato is maintained, the Italian government will still have a final word on the case.

Translated by Mayra Borges