Brazil gets first female prosecutor-general in history

For the first time in Brazil’s history, a female took over prosecutor-general’s post on Monday, replacing Rodrigo Janot, who held the position for four years.

In a ceremony in Brasilia with the presence of President Michel Temer and Supreme Court (STF) President Carmen Lucia, Raquel Dodge was sworn in as the new prosecutor-general.

In her inauguration speech, Dodge vowed to “defend democracy, watch over the common good and the environment, and guarantee that nobody is above the law.”

The 55-year-old Dodge is taking over at a difficult time. She will have the mission of continuing Operation Lava Jato (Car Wash), the investigation into the Petrobras corruption ring, which saw over 100 politicians charged in recent years.

Dodge was named to the post by Temer but the president was charged by Janot for a second time last week for obstruction of justice and illicit association.

The first charge was made earlier this year for corruption but it was shelved by the Chamber of Deputies.

Therefore, the public will keenly watch how Dodge continues the investigations against Temer and members of his ruling party.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)