Federal police in Brazil are launching an investigation into former president Jair Bolsonaro for suspected harassment of a humpback whale while riding a jetski during a public holiday. The incident, captured on video off the south-eastern coastline near São Sebastião, raises environmental concerns and adds to Bolsonaro’s track record of anti-environmental policies, earning him the moniker “Captain Chainsaw” during his tenure marked by Amazon destruction.
In June, a man resembling Bolsonaro was reportedly filmed approximately 15 meters from a humpback whale that had surfaced. The individual, allegedly Bolsonaro, was seen shooting a video with a mobile phone as the distressed whale exhibited behaviors indicative of discomfort. Brazilian legislation strictly prohibits the deliberate harassment of cetacean species, including humpback whales.
Under rules enforced by the environmental agency Ibama, vessels must maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from such animals, and actions such as chasing, invading their space, or creating excessive noise within 300 meters are strictly prohibited. Bolsonaro’s potential violation echoes a recent incident where another right-wing politician was fined for a similar offense in the same region. Bolsonaro himself had faced fines in the past, including one for illegal fishing within a marine reserve off the Rio de Janeiro coastline.
Facing numerous investigations into various suspected crimes, Bolsonaro, who lost power a year ago, is dealing with allegations ranging from plotting a coup against his successor to misappropriation of expensive jewels and falsifying Covid vaccination records. The former president, banned from seeking election until 2030, dismisses the humpback whale inquiry as political persecution and has ridiculed the allegations on social media.
Supporters of Bolsonaro took to social media, making light of the accusations, with some humorously suggesting the humpback whale might have been a fan requesting a selfie. On Saturday, Bolsonaro, addressing supporters, dismissed the investigation as another instance of political persecution, making a disparaging remark about Brazil’s justice minister in the process.
