Powerful rival of President Dilma Rousseff accused of trying to intimidate congress and obstruct investigations against him

The speaker of Brazil’s lower house, Eduardo Cunha, has been suspended from all congressional duties for allegedly trying to intimidate congressmen and obstruct investigations against him, a supreme court spokeswoman has said.

The decision adds to political uncertainty before the expected suspension of President Dilma Rousseff and the formation of a new government led by the vice-president, Michel Temer.

The supreme court justice Teori Zavascki accepted an injunction requested by the country’s general prosecutor. Another case against Cunha will be judged later on Thursday by the full supreme court.

Cunha, a powerful rival of Rousseff who has led an impeachment drive against her, is under investigation for allegedly receiving bribes in a massive corruption scheme at state-run oil producer Petrobras.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/05/speaker-of-brazils-lower-house-eduardo-cunha-suspended