Michel Temer: Brazil's former president arrested just two months after far-right Bolsonaro took power
Move comes as part of sprawling police probe into alleged graft in construction of nuclear plant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brazil's former president Michel Temer has reportedly been arrested as part of a sweeping anti-corruption investigation known as "Car Wash".
He was detained in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday morning in a sprawling probe of alleged graft in the construction of nuclear plant Angra 3, prosecutors said. His lawyer confirmed the arrest.
Mr Temer was president from 2016 to 2018, taking office following the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff, for whom he served as vice-president for six years.
He was succeeded this year by Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right former military officer who is himself implicated in a separate corruption scandal.
The arrest, which has rattled Brazil's political class, saw Brazil's currency slip as much as 1 per cent on the news and the Bovespa stock index fell 1.5 per cent, as the prospect of new arrests of prominent politicians threatened to delay debate over sweeping economic reforms.
According to O Globo, Mr Temer was arrested by officers who are also seeking former energy minister Moreira Franco.
The warrants were issued by a judge in the 7th Federal Criminal Court of Rio on Wednesday, the newspaper reported.
Mr Temer, a longtime legislator, was hit with corruption charges during his presidency which were blocked by allies in the lower house Congress. The legislative body must authorise charges against a sitting president.
Mr Temer has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments