2023-11-18 03:38:57
Cristiano Mariz / Agência O Globo
Bolsonaro on a jet-ski
The MPF (Federal Public Ministry) in São Paulo decided to closely monitor the PF (Federal Police) investigation into the alleged crime of ‘intentional harassment’ of a humpback whale in São Sebastião, north coast of São Paulo, which occurred in June this year.
The PF investigation was launched based on a video that went viral, showing a man on a jet ski approaching the humpback whale, raising suspicions that it could be former president Jair Bolsonaro.
The PF investigation focuses on verifying possible crimes provided for by law that prohibit fishing or ‘intentional molestation’ of whales, with a special focus on the protection of marine fauna.
Responding to a request from Ibama, which is also involved in the investigations, the MPF established an administrative procedure to actively monitor the investigations conducted by the PF.
Public Prosecutor Marília Soares Ferreira signed the ordinance, formalizing the MPF’s monitoring of the case. The official publication took place this Friday in the Official Gazette of the MPF.
The beginning of the investigation was triggered by the circulation of videos on social media, which showed the jet ski approaching the humpback at a distance considered inappropriate.
The Prosecutor’s Office assigns the identity of the jet ski driver, suspiciously Jair Bolsonaro, emphasizing that he is not part of the whale’s natural predator, increasing the seriousness of the situation.
In addition to the inappropriate proximity, the man, presumably Bolsonaro, was recording a video with his cell phone, while the whale exhibited “airy behavior”, indicating discomfort or disturbance.
The act of ‘intentional molestation’ by humans can result in eventual punishment, even if the man is not a natural predator of the whale, highlighting the responsibility in preserving marine life.
The administrative procedure initiated by the MPF aims to “monitor facts, procedures and public policies that, in principle, do not give rise to a civil investigation.”
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