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Barra do Corda removes security secretary over threats to PT voters
Antonio James Mota da Silva, the municipal Secretary of Public Security in Barra do Corda, Maranhão, has been removed from office following the leak of audio recordings in which he suggested the arrest and persecution of supporters of the Workers' Party (PT).
Mota, a sergeant in the Maranhão Military Police seconded to the municipal government, admitted to sending the messages in a private WhatsApp group for police officers. He characterized the comments as political jokes and provocations common in such groups, acknowledging the use of strong language but denying any intent to interfere with the electoral process.
The Mayor of Barra do Corda, Rigo Alberto Teles de Sousa, and the Governor of Maranhão, Carlos Brandão, both ordered his removal from duty until the end of the elections. Additionally, the Maranhão Regional Electoral Court (TRE-MA) has notified the Federal Police to investigate the dissemination of the audios.
The Brasil da Esperança Federation, comprising the PT, PCdoB, and PV, has filed a criminal complaint with the Regional Electoral Prosecutor's Office. The filing requests an urgent investigation, audio forensics, and preventive measures ahead of the second-round elections.
Entities
Antonio James Mota da Silva · Assembleia Legislativa de Mato Grosso · Barra do Corda · Carlos Brandão · Cuiabá · Haras Twin Brothers · Instituto Capacitar Futuro · Maranhão · Maranhão Military Police · Paulo Araújo · Rigo Alberto Teles de Sousa · Workers' Party
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 19 SOURCES] Mota admitted to sending the audio messages in a private WhatsApp group of military police officers. spnpb.com.br · ccnnews.com.br · fatopaulista.com.br · odiariodebarretos.com.br · overbo.com.br · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Mayor Rigo Alberto Teles de Sousa removed Antonio James Mota da Silva from his position as security secretary. spnpb.com.br · ccnnews.com.br · fatopaulista.com.br · odiariodebarretos.com.br · overbo.com.br · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] The Brasil da Esperança Federation filed a criminal complaint regarding the matter. spnpb.com.br · ccnnews.com.br · fatopaulista.com.br · odiariodebarretos.com.br · overbo.com.br · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Governor Carlos Brandão ordered Mota's removal and an investigation into his statements. spnpb.com.br · ccnnews.com.br · fatopaulista.com.br · odiariodebarretos.com.br · overbo.com.br · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Mota suggested the arrest and persecution of PT supporters in audio recordings. spnpb.com.br · ccnnews.com.br · fatopaulista.com.br · odiariodebarretos.com.br · overbo.com.br · +13 more