By 6 votes to 1, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) decided this Tuesday (30) to expand the investigation into the process that could revoke the mandate of senator Jorge Seif (PL-SC) for abuse of economic power in the 2022 campaign.
The TSE began judging an appeal filed by the Coalition Bora Trabalho, formed by the PSD, Patriota and União Brasil. In November last year, the Regional Electoral Court (TRE) of Santa Catarina rejected the charges against Seif and maintained the mandate.
For subtitles, Seif’s candidacy was supported by businessman Luciano Hang, owner of Havan stores. According to the process, the senator was offered a structure to travel on company aircraft and broadcast on social media (lives), in addition to Hang’s personal involvement in the campaign.
The parties also point out the alleged irregular financing of the campaign through the senator’s participation in a fair promoted by the São João Batista Footwear Industry Union (SC).
The use of a helicopter provided by businessman Osni Cipriani to travel to campaign events was also mentioned.
When analyzing the case, Minister Floriano de Azevedo Marques, rapporteur of the appeal, determined that Havan must inform, within 24 hours, the prefixes of its aircraft. Airports in Santa Catarina must also send the TSE data on landings of the company’s planes and the list of passengers. In case of non-compliance, a fine of R$20,000 will be charged.
The vote was followed by ministers André Ramos Tavares, Maria Isabel Galotti, Cármen Lúcia, Nunes Marques and the president, Alexandre de Moraes. Raul Araújo was against it because he understood that the investigation into the case could not be reopened.
Defense
On April 4, the first day of the trial, the senator’s defense said that Hang’s abuse of economic power and significant participation in the candidate’s campaign had not been proven.
“The evidence intended to be produced came back negative. But the narrative continues, and it is almost procedural misinformation”, said lawyer Maria Claudia Bucchianeri.
