Zona de Azar Brasil – Brazil: Soraya Accuses ‘Orchestrated Movement’ Against the CPI on Bets

Brazil, December 18, 2024 – www.zonadeazar.com The rapporteur of the CPI on Bets, Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), rejected on Tuesday (17) news reports alleging attempted extortion against potential witnesses. Soraya described these claims as “gossip” and a “clear orchestrated movement to divert attention” from the commission, as well as an attempt to “discredit” her work as rapporteur. The senator made these remarks at the beginning of the CPI meeting on Tuesday.

— In light of these serious accusations, I contacted the director-general of the Federal Police and made myself fully available, even authorizing the lifting of my tax, banking, and telecommunication secrecy. I also requested a confrontation between the individuals mentioned. I ask that the cited parliamentarians do the same. After all, those who have nothing to hide, do not fear, nor falter. These rumors are undoubtedly a clear orchestrated movement to divert attention and weaken the work of this CPI — stated the senator.

She further added that she will seek to identify the accusers so they can be held accountable for attempting to obstruct the CPI’s investigation, for slanderous accusations, and for crimes against honor. Soraya reaffirmed her commitment to the “mission” of investigating irregularities in online betting, particularly regarding the financial impact on families, possible links to criminal organizations, and tax evasion practices.

— The Constitution ensures us parliamentary immunity, which is essential for us to exercise our mandates freely, protected from persecution and baseless slander. When I am unjustly and cowardly attacked, when they try to associate me with unsubstantiated insinuations, I exercise this right to ensure that the truth prevails and that my honor is preserved — she said.

Senator Alessandro Vieira (MDB-SE), vice-president of the CPI, stated that he has already requested the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to open an investigative process on the matter. He also rejected accusations involving his name or those that question the CPI’s work and urged the Senate to “uphold its integrity” by properly investigating the facts.

— I hope that [the PGR] opens the inquiry, conducts the necessary investigations, and, if someone has done something wrong, that they are severely punished. We cannot tolerate this kind of thing, especially when we are investigating an activity involving billions of reais, draining resources from healthcare and the popular economy, and clearly showing signs of crime, money laundering, and the involvement of public agents.

Source: Agência Senado
Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com