ALERJ DECIDES TO RESUME THE DEADLINE FOR WITZEL TO PRESENT HIS DEFENSE

With 23 votes in favor and two abstentions, the impeachment committee of the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) decided to resume the 10-session deadline for Governor Wilson Witzel to present his defense. Tomorrow, Tuesday, a new summons to the governor will be published in the official gazette, and a clerk will notify the defense attorneys. Starting Wednesday, July 8th, the deadline will begin again.

On June 24th, the commission decided to suspend the deadline for receiving information requested from various agencies. The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) refused to share the evidence, but all other institutions, including the State Department of Health and the Federal and State Public Prosecutors' Offices, have already complied with the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj). Of the four criminal charges against Wilson Witzel, only the one regarding the First Lady's contracts with government suppliers is pending evidence, as the STJ refused to share it. All others are extensively documented in the case.

During the session, Congressman Dionísio Lins, of the PP, attempted a delaying tactic by requesting an examination of the proceedings. The committee chairman, Congressman Chico Machado, requested an oral opinion from the House prosecutor, Rodrigo Lopes, who denied the request, claiming that there was no provision for an examination of the proceedings in Federal Law 1079, which regulates impeachment proceedings.

Representative Luis Paulo requested the floor, reaffirming that the impeachment law does not provide for requests for review. "This is a delaying move. If it were possible, each of the 25 could request a review in advance, so that the proceedings can resume," he stated.
Representative Alexandre Freitas requested the inclusion of new evidence in the complaint, a proposal rejected by 23 votes and two abstentions.