Court revokes arrest of first lady of João Pessoa – 10/01/2024 – Power

The Electoral Court of Paraíba revoked this Tuesday (1st) the arrest of the first lady of João Pessoa, Lauremília Lucena, wife of the mayor and candidate for re-election Cícero Lucena (PP).

The decision was handed down by judge Maria Fátima Ramalho, from the 64th Electoral Zone of João Pessoa, the same magistrate who had ordered Lauremília’s arrest last Saturday (28).

Lauremília was arrested by the Federal Police in the third phase of Operation Free Territory, which investigates the involvement of criminal factions in the João Pessoa election and the violent enticement of voters.

In the new decision, the judge justified the decision by claiming that the first lady has no criminal convictions in court, has a fixed residence and legal occupation and has appointed a lawyer, demonstrating commitment to justice.

The arrest was converted into precautionary measures that include the use of an electronic ankle bracelet, nighttime home confinement, prohibition of maintaining contact with the other people being investigated and of visiting public bodies in the city hall and the São José neighborhood, which is at the center of the investigations.

This Tuesday, the arrest of councilor Raíssa Lacerda (PSB), who served as municipal secretary of Citizenship and Human Rights for Cícero Lucena, was also revoked. She had been arrested on September 19 on suspicion of violent voter solicitation. Last week, he resigned his candidacy.

The Federal Police are investigating the influence of criminal factions in the elections in the capital of Paraíba. In conjunction with political leaders and advisors, criminals would act to coerce voters into voting for certain candidates and prevent opponents from campaigning within communities.

Investigations indicate the existence of a possible criminal scheme in which members of the city hall facilitated the appointment of commissioned employees nominated by members of factions. In return, the mayor’s group would receive political support and control of territories in the elections

In the Federal Police investigation, First Lady Lauremília Lucena is named as responsible for managing requests for positions and hiring at city hall, where she does not have an official position.

THE Sheet had access to the decision that decreed the arrests, which indicates that Lauremília and her advisor would have central roles in the appointment of people linked to criminal factions in the city hall. Evidence collected by investigators indicates that the hires were made.

Intercepted dialogues and documents collected by investigators point to the practice of embezzlement, illegal embarrassment and electoral coercion.

Last Saturday, the day of the arrest, Mayor Cícero Lucena said he was the target of “a cowardly and brutal attack” on the eve of the election” and that Lauremília will demonstrate in court that she is a victim of persecution.

He also stated that there is a political use of institutions to influence the electoral campaign in João Pessoa. And he accused his opponents of spreading untruths about Lauremília, with the aim of “tarnishing the honor of an upright woman, respected and loved by the people of Paraíba”.

“Lauremília has a fixed residence and would never refuse to give a statement or clarify any facts. There was a use of disproportionate force, as she was not even summoned to give a statement. Clearly, Cicero’s opponents are using all means to gain power over at any cost, without respect for his family or the city of João Pessoa”, he stated.