Dallagnol Celebrated Suspension of Lula’s Interview, Leaked Audio Shows

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – One month after the start of the Lava Jato leaks, The Intercept Brasil published an audio dated September, 28th 2018, in which Lava Jato chief prosecutor Deltan Dallagnol celebrates Justice Luiz Fux’s decision to suspend the press conference of former president Lula.

The recording was sent to a group on Telegram, including other task force prosecutors. The audio strengthens the argument that there was political action by the prosecutors against the leftist.

The conversations show that, on that morning, prosecutors were concerned about the broadcasting of an interview with Lula and hence the potential election of the PT candidate in the presidential race.

“I’ve been very worried about a potential return of the PT, but I’ve prayed hard for God to enlighten our people so that a miracle will save us,” said prosecutor Anna Carolina Resende, in the group. Dallagnol would have replied in writing: “Thanks, Carol! Yes, you pray. We need it as a country.”

These messages were exchanged following a decision by Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, reported on the same morning, in which he authorized Lula to give an interview to the newspaper Folha de S.Paulo.

Prosecutor Laura Tessler remarked that it was a “joke” and labeled the decision as “a true circus”.

Dallagnol’s audio came after the prosecutor learned that Fux had suspended the decision. “URGENT. IT’S SECRET. It’s about the interview. Those who want to know listen to the audio,” he wrote.

In the recording, he said: “Fux granted an injunction suspending Lewandowski’s decision that authorized the interview, saying he will have to wait for the full court ruling. Now, let’s not brag about it out there. Let’s not tell anyone. Let’s keep quiet, to avoid disclosure as long as possible. Because the sooner it is known, the sooner it is appealed by the other side, and it will go to the full court before anything else.”

“So, the guys asked us not to comment on it publicly and let the news emerge through other channels to avoid rushing an appeal by those who have a conflicting position to ours. But the news is good, to end the week nicely. After so many bad things. And to get the weekend off to a good start. Hugs!”