Brazil: Congress starts corruption probe
Brazilian lawmakers began hearings Monday on whether to expel 11 congressmen accused of accepting bribes.
The congressmen allegedly accepted the money from leaders within the ruling Workers` Party, or PT, who in exchange asked for their support on key votes.
The ongoing corruption scandal has been dogging the PT and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva since June and has caused his poll numbers to drop to their lowest levels since he assumed office in January 2003.
Two congressmen have already resigned in connection with the scandal, as well as several key members of the PT.
(Published M&C News, October 18, 2005)
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