Italian report reinforces defense of those accused of attacking Moraes in Rome

An Italian police report related to the investigation into the alleged attack on Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), and his son by Brazilian businessman Roberto Mantovani at Rome airport, may favor the defense of those accused of events that occurred on 14 July. According to the document obtained by the magazine Lookthe magistrate and Alexandre Barci de Moares, who were about to return to Brazil, only got involved in a fight, without physical aggression.

Alexandre de Moraes reported to the police that he was insulted by Brazilians, being called a “bandit, communist and bought”. In the confusion, his son would have received a “slap” on his glasses. The report from the Air Border Police at the Fiumicino terminal, however, describes physical contact that caused only a slight impact on Alexandre Barci de Moraes’ glasses. Based on seven photos captured by security cameras, Italian authorities report that, at 6:39 pm, there was only “notable physical contact” between Mantovani and the minister’s son.

On that occasion, the police say, Alexandre Barci de Moraes extended his left arm, probably in response to the verbal insults he had received, passing close to the back of Mantovani’s head, who, at the same time, did a similar action with his right arm, touching his glasses. of the judge’s son. The police’s conclusion after analyzing images of the argument also describes the approach of Andrea, Mantovani’s wife, and her husband towards the minister’s son.

One scene shows the businessman pointing his index finger at Alexandre Barci de Moraes and a passenger trying to calm things down. Another shows the minister and his son outside the VIP room where those involved were, apparently taking photos of each other as evidence of the incident. The police document supports the version of the accused, who have always denied having physically attacked Alexandre de Moraes’ son. Lawyer Ralph Tórtima, who defends Mantovani, states that the episode has no political motivations or threats to the minister or the STF.

Last Monday (24), Minister Dias Toffoli, of the STF, denied the defense of the three Brazilians accused of harassing Alexandre de Moraes a copy of the footage from the airport in Rome, keeping the material received from Italian authorities confidential. The decision was questioned by the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) and several jurists, seen as a restriction on the defense.