MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Congressional hearing sends shockwaves in Brazil

The Brazilian Deputy responsible for the political turmoil shocking President Lula da Silva's administration ratified on oath before Congress, the alleged bribes network set up by the top aides and ministers of the Brazilian Executive branch.

Deputy Roberto Jefferson said before the special Congressional committee he confirmed every word and iota of his Sunday June 6 interview in Folha do Sao Paulo, and looking straight in the eyes to some of the alleged Congress members who benefited from the payments admitted he had no hard evidence, but witnesses and those directly involved in the operation.

Mr. Jefferson mentioned as the ring leaders of the bribe payments to ensure votes in Congress, Jose Dirceu, head of the cabinet and Lula da Silva's main advisor; Finance Minister Antonio Palocci; Jose Genoino, president of the ruling Workers party and Delubio Soares, treasurer and paymaster.

Mr. Jefferson had still another day of hearings before the Committee, and then the Ethics Committee from Congress will have to investigate the claims or sanction the Deputy for unfounded accusations, meaning he could be expelled from Congress.