News Mash-up: Brazilian Corruption

Rio police arrest outgoing Mayor Crivella Rio de Janeiro state police arrested outgoing Mayor Marcelo Crivella on Dec. 22 in connection with an alleged kickbacks scheme, yet another show of political turmoil in Brazil’s postcard city. Seized materials, phone data, financial intelligence reports and collaborators’ testimony “revealed the existence of a well-structured and complex criminal organization led by Crivella and that (had) acted within City Hall since 2017,” said Rio’s public prosecutors’ office. Crivella was set to leave office on Jan. 1 after losing a reelection bid. (AP) Brazil judge annuls Lula's convictions A Brazilian Supreme Court judge on March 8 annulled the criminal convictions against former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a move that could allow the popular politician to run in next year’s presidential election. The surprise decision roiled financial markets and scrambled forecasts for the 2022 race, with many investors betting it would polarize voters between President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right populist, and Lula, his greatest opponent on the left. The judge said a Curitiba city court did not have the authority to try Lula on corruption charges. (Reuters) These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.