Brasília - Deputy Jairo Carneiro (PFL-BA), redactor of the expulsion process against deputy Roberto Jefferson (PTB-RJ), has presented the Chamber of Deputies' Ethics Council with his vote in favor of expelling him.

"We are convinced that his (Jefferson's) behavior has been incompatible with parliamentary ethics and decorum.... He has offended his peers and the Chamber of Deputies imprudently.... He has abused the privilege of parliamentary immunity.... We recommend his expulsion," wrote the redactor in his report.

Carneiro added that, in his opinion, Jefferson is also guilty of legal infractions and violating Brazilian legislation (he specifically cited "obtaining illegal advantages from private and public organizations").

He concluded his report by rebutting Jefferson's defense which was based on parliamentary immunity, which guarantees that members of Congress cannot be prosecuted for their "actions and words." Carneiro pointed out that questions of ethics and decorum are also political.

Translator: Allen Bennett