Senate President Alcolumbre defends Jaques Wagner, insists presumption of innocence must prevail
Translated from Portuguese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Senate President Davi Alcolumbre defended government leader Senator Jaques Wagner amid a Federal Police operation.
- Wagner is suspected of receiving payments linked to Banco Master, controlled by Daniel Vorcaro.
- Alcolumbre stressed the principle of presumed innocence, noting that polarization leads to politicians being judged guilty before conviction.
Senate President Davi Alcolumbre has publicly defended the government's leader in the Senate, Senator Jaques Wagner, who is currently under a Federal Police operation. Wagner is suspected of receiving payments connected to Banco Master, a financial institution linked to Daniel Vorcaro.
Alcolumbre emphasized the fundamental legal principle that all individuals should be considered innocent until a final conviction is reached. He lamented that political polarization often leads to politicians being presumed guilty from the outset, a stark contrast to the presumption of innocence.
Addressing his own situation, as he is also facing suspicions related to Banco Master, Alcolumbre expressed confidence that Senator Jaques Wagner's innocence will be proven during the legal process. "I am convinced that, in the course of the process, Senator Jaques Wagner's truths will come to light and will be proven. One day they will be judged, and it is on that day that a person can be convicted or acquitted," he stated.
The Senate President's defense comes as the Federal Police investigate alleged irregularities involving Banco Master, highlighting the sensitive political climate surrounding such operations and the importance of due process for all involved.
I am convinced that, in the course of the process, Senator Jaques Wagner's truths will come to light and will be proven. One day they will be judged, and it is on that day that a person can be convicted or acquitted.
Originally published by Folha de S.Paulo in Portuguese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.