During the hearing that analyzed his reappointment to this position, the Attorney General of the Republic, Paulo Jeunet, responded to a series of questions from senators on sensitive topics, such as the dismissal of ministers of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), the position of the Attorney General against the pardon of those convicted on January 8 and the alleged closeness to Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Jeunet also addressed fraud investigations at the National Institute of National Security, the dosing of sanctions for coup acts and the actions of the Prosecutor General’s Office in the fight against organized crime.
In his responses, the Public Prosecutor adopted an institutional tone, reiterating the letter that he works in a “purely technical and non-partisan” manner and that the Public Prosecutor’s Office “does not interfere in the decisions of the National Conference.” He stressed that its legal manifestations follow constitutional standards, defended respect for the separation of powers, and stated that the public prosecution must remain “far from political interference.”
Dismissal of STF ministers
Jeunet reiterated that the Attorney General’s Office did not seek to limit Congress’ power when it spoke of removing Supreme Court ministers. He said that the opinion issued by the Attorney General is “a technical manifestation and not a decision,” and that the body is distinguished only by the authorities directly elected by popular vote from members of the judiciary, who carry out technical tasks.
– At no time did I say that a Minister of the Supreme Court could not be removed. What happened was an opinion, not a decision, based on a systematic interpretation of the Constitution. He added that at no time was it claimed that the possibility of accountability had disappeared.
Amnesty and relationship with the National Congress
The Attorney General emphasized that the PGR considers it unconstitutional to pardon crimes against the democratic rule of law, but stressed that the right to decide on this issue belongs to Congress.
This is a decision for the National Congress to make. “I have no doubt about the competence of Congress to speak out on pardons, but I understand that there is controversy surrounding this from a legal standpoint,” he said.
He pointed out that his statement on this matter was merely a legal analysis within a process and not an attempt to interfere in the decisions of the legislature.
– I do not interfere in the decisions that will be taken by the National Conference. There has never been a technical memorandum from the Attorney General of the Republic on a subject matter for debate in Congress. Deliberately, I hope and do not want to interfere with the broadest freedom to shape the legal system that Congress provides under the Constitution.
Consultations, MPF performance and institutional independence
Jounieh stressed that all Public Prosecution statements are made in accordance with the law, in a sober manner, and without any political motives. He said PGR paints “do not carry the colors of party flags” and that respecting those being investigated is an essential part of exercising public office.
– The prosecution’s ink is placed on papers sent to the correct parties. These paints have no color, and do not contain the colors of the party’s flags. He stated that it was the result of the broadest and most detailed evaluation possible, and was conducted in the most sober and respectful manner for all concerned.
According to him, “respect for any person subject to state authority is essential to the dignity of functions and the democratic rule of law.”
Relationship with Alexandre de Moraes and the STF
The Public Prosecutor once again denied any alliance with Minister Alexandre de Moraes or interference by the Supreme Court in the actions of the Public Ministry. He stated that communications between the Office of the Attorney General for Elections and the Presidency of the Supreme Electoral Court are administrative, not judicial.
-There is a lot of hatred or ignorance surrounding this episode. In the Brazilian electoral system, the Electoral Court exercises administrative and judicial functions. In the administrative field, it is natural for there to be an exchange of information and the reception of data. He declared that there is nothing inappropriate in the relations between the Office of the Electoral Prosecutor and the Presidency of the Supreme Electoral Court.
Jeunet added that he was “admired by the suitability, dedication and experience of the Ministers of the Supreme Court,” and stressed that he was acting “with complete independence and respect for constitutional limits.”
Combating organized crime and transnational crime
When answering questions about public security, Cuneit stated that combating organized crime and protecting early childhood are the priority objectives of the Public Ministry.
We have chosen two priority goals: combating criminal organizations and protecting early childhood. He said protecting children is also a way to fight crime and remove the factions’ fascination with youth.
The Prosecutor highlighted the creation of the Gaeco Nacional, aimed at inter-state and international cooperation, and noted PGR’s involvement in the hidden carbon operation.
– The relevant crime today is no longer street corner crime. Criminal organizations have a transnational and even international character. The Federal Public Ministry must act when there are aspects of international crisis or the application of treaties. He did this secretly, without seeking to appear in the media.
He stressed that PGR avoids publishing ongoing investigations “in order to preserve image rights and the presumption of innocence of the people being investigated.”
INSS issues and ongoing investigations
Regarding the institute’s fraud investigations, Jeunet confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation, and said that any file is temporary and may be reopened if new evidence emerges.
– There is an investigation being conducted secretly. Any archiving that may have occurred is temporary. “If new evidence emerges, it can be appealed.”
Sanctions and agreements in the case of actions of January 8
In response to a question about the severity of the sentences imposed on those convicted of the coup, Jounieh said that a large part of the decisions resulted in alternative sentences or non-criminal prosecution agreements.
– In approximately a third of the cases, the sentences were less significant and turned into restricted rights. In a large number of other cases, there was an agreement not to prosecute. The Public Ministry denounces facts which the National Congress understood should be punished as crimes. He said that it is the judiciary that rules.
He stressed that if there is an understanding in Parliament about possible violations, the review must be carried out by the legislative body itself.
About The Author
