Former Rio governor arrested

Federal police from Campos dos Goytacazes, in north Rio de Janeiro, arrested today (Nov. 16) former Rio de Janeiro Governor Anthony Garotinho.

In a note, the police says the arrest comes as part of probe into the use of the Cheque Cidadão program in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, for the purchase of votes. Criminal association is said to have taken place in an attempt to fiddle the latest elections in the municipality, the statement says.

Garotinho currently serves as government secretary in the municipality where his wife Rosinha Garotinho is mayor. The city government's press office described the imprisonment as “arbitrary, illegal, and based on facts that did not occur.”

In addition to governor, Garotinho was also federal deputy and mayor of Campos dos Goytacazes. In 2002, he ranked third after running for president of Brazil.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira