BRAZIL: Brazilian prosecutors have opened an investigation into former Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet after a video of him wishing death for president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Nelson Piquet will testify in front of the Brazilian Federal Police over allegations of inciting violence.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva narrowly won the presidential election on Sunday against incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro. Nelson Piquet is a vocal supporter of Bolsonaro.
The 70-year-old former Formula1 world champion is among the thousands who took to the streets in protests after the election results were declared. The Brazilian electoral officials have confirmed the election results.
Nelson Piquet, who quipped that he wanted the armed forces to stop Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking over the position, was also previously investigated for making racist remarks.
He had used racial slurs while referring to 7-time Formula 1 world champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton, who became an honorary Brazilian citizen earlier this year.
A statement released by the Brazilian Federal Prosecutors office said that the authorities would investigate Nelson Piquet for allegedly inciting violence and provoking rifts between the military and other branches of power.
The prosecutor’s office, in the statement, mentioned that Nelson Piquet has far-reaching popularity. The statement adds that his statements could reach hundreds of thousands of people.
Nelson Piquet and the creator of the video are expected to testify in front of the Brazilian police.
Violence erupts in Brazil after Bolsonaro’s defeat
The supporters of the outgoing president, Jair Bolsonaro, blocked roads across Brazil. Many protestors gathered outside military bases demanding a coup to overthrow the new government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The hardcore supporters of Bolsonaro claimed they would never accept the presidential election results as it was illegal and fraudulent.
Brazilian truckers who benefitted the most during Bolsonaro’s presidential stint put up most of the roadblocks. Bolsonaro had lowered the diesel prices in Brazil, creating enormous profits for the truckers.
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