Former Brazilian president under investigation for disturbing whales

Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro is under investigation for allegedly harassing a humpback whale while riding a jet ski about 15 meters away from the animal.

Brazilian media reported last weekend that the Brazilian Federal Prosecutor's Office (MPF) has joined the Federal Police (PF) in investigating former President Jair Bolsonaro for intentionally disturbing a humpback whale in Sao Sebastiao in June.

Mr Bolsonaro reportedly approached the humpback whale on a motorcycle about 15 metres away and filmed it. "The animal made movements that suggested it was uncomfortable or anxious," iG wrote in the report.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro outside a resort in Kissimmee, Florida, USA, January 22. Photo: AFP

Brazilian law prohibits any deliberate harassment of species such as dolphins and humpback whales. Motor vehicles are not allowed within 100 meters of whales and dolphins. People are also prohibited from chasing or invading the animals' space.

A Brazilian politician was previously fined about $510 for harassing whales.

Critics have accused Mr Bolsonaro of deliberately rolling back environmental protections while in power, with devastating consequences for nature. About a decade ago, Mr Bolsonaro was fined for illegally fishing in a protected area off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

A year after leaving office, Mr Bolsonaro is facing multiple investigations into allegations including plotting a coup against his successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, secretly bringing back diamonds after a 2021 visit to Saudi Arabia and falsifying Covid-19 vaccination data. Mr Bolsonaro, 68, has been banned from running for office until 2030, and many believe he could face jail time.

Ngoc Anh (According to Guardian )

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