He is threatened with prison

Bolsonaro allegedly tortured humpback whale with jet ski

Bolsonaro on a jet ski in May 2022 - in this case, there was no whale involved.

(Bild: APA/AFP/EVARISTO SA)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under investigation. He is alleged to have "harassed" a humpback whale on a jet ski last year. If the allegations prove to be true, the ex-president could face several years in prison. He is already facing other court proceedings.

Bolsonaro appeared at the federal police station in the city of São Paulo on Tuesday to meet with police officers as part of the investigation. He was accompanied by his lawyer and former advisor, who was present at the scene of the incident in June 2023.

Bolsonaro on a jet ski in May 2022 - there was no whale involved in this case.

(Bild: APA/AFP/EVARISTO SA)

Approached closely, filmed with a cell phone
As can be seen in a video circulating on social media, a man drove a jet ski close to a whale off the coast of São Paulo while filming with a cell phone. Investigators assume that the man was Bolsonaro and came within about 15 meters of the animal.

Bolsonaro is no longer president, but still has many supporters in Brazil.

(Bild: APA/AFP/Miguel SCHINCARIOL)

Up to five years in prison
According to Brazilian law, motorized watercraft must keep a minimum distance of 100 meters from whales and dolphins. Anyone who intentionally drives closer than this faces a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years, and in extreme cases even up to five years.

For Bolsonaro's supporters, who are still very numerous in Brazil, the case is another example of the former head of state being legally persecuted for political motives. He himself has made this accusation several times.

Several proceedings are underway
Several proceedings are underway against the 68-year-old. Last week, he was questioned in the capital Brasilia about allegations that he had planned a coup to oust his successor as president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Hundreds of Bolsonaro's supporters stormed the government district in January 2023. He is also facing a prison sentence here.

Further proceedings relate to the alleged abuse of his economic and political power in connection with the 2022 presidential election, which he then lost.

Banned from office until 2030
Last year, Bolsonaro was banned from office until 2030 for attacking the electoral justice system in the run-up to the ballot and wrongly questioning the reliability of electronic voting.