Brazil's Temer calls police probe into bribe reports "persecution"

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer on Friday protested against the federal police investigation into allegations of his involvement in corruption in the ports sector, saying he is being persecuted.

In a public speech, Temer said he is a victim of "criminal persecution disguised as an investigation" and is being slandered. He also criticized the leaking of investigation details to the press.

"I come here to protest against the lies against my honor. These are not lies aimed at my position, but at my honor," Temer said, adding that they hit his entire family, including his nine-year-old son.

The federal police have requested an extension of the investigation into allegations that Temer took millions of dollars in bribes from certain businessmen in exchange for signing a decree which would benefit them.

The extension was requested to fully analyze the president's financial statements and investigate the findings of an operation Thursday, in which some of his friends were arrested.

According to local media, police suspect Temer used the names of family members, such as his wife and children, to launder the money.

The president invests in real estate and police are investigating whether some purchases or renovations were made with the alleged bribe. Enditem