Bolsonaros face questions in Brazil over corruption probe

Anna Jean Kaiser, Associated Press
Updated 3:53 pm CST, Friday, January 18, 2019

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Allies and supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are questioning his commitment to fighting corruption as questions mount about irregular payments in his inner circle just weeks into his presidency.

Bolsonaro's son, Flavio Bolsonaro, has come under fire over suspicious payments to his former driver flagged by the Council for Financial Activities Control, the country's financial regulatory body.

The Bolsonaros and the driver deny wrongdoing over $320,000 that changed hands from 2016-2017 and came to light late last year.

The controversy deepened Thursday when a Supreme Court justice, Luiz Fux, ordered a Rio de Janeiro state court to temporarily suspend the probe.

Flavio Bolsonaro's lawyers argued that being a senator-elect means the case must be decided by the Supreme Court, a privilege enjoyed by politicians in Brazil. Flavio and other senators will be confirmed when Congress convenes next month.

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Bolsonaros-face-questions-in-Brazil-over-13545354.php