Brazilian Senate honours Covid victims, Bolsonaro held responsible for poor handling of the pandemic

On Tuesday, the Brazilian Senate passed a bill that would see the erection of a memorial for the more than 600,000 victims of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. A report authored by Senator Renan Calheiros is set to be presented on October 19 and will reportedly hold Resident Jay Bolsanaro personally responsible for poor handling of the crisis which has affected thousands of Brazilians and driven more into poverty.

Calheiro's report will also recommend that Bolsonaro be charged with murder, charlatanism and shamanism, in reference to the controversial leader's statements promoting vaccine skepticism, lack of concern for precautionary measures against the pandemic and lack of procurement of vaccines and medical equipment.

At least 30 others will also be charged according to chairman of the committee, Senator Omar Aziz.

The unveiling of the memorial will coincide with a ceremony honouring the victims, which will be attended by the kin of the deceased and prominent Brazilian celebrities. Brazil was hard hit by the pandemic with lack of medical resources and proper COVID precautions taking a toll on the population. September has seen a drastic drop in deaths compared to April this year, with a total of 16,275 dead. Over 91 million people have been vaccinated in total with 68.7% having received at least one dose of the vaccine and 42.8% having received both doses.