The Federal Police arrested the first lady of João Pessoa, Lauremília Lucena, this Saturday morning (28). She is the target of an investigation into the violent solicitation of voters and criminal organizations in municipal elections.
Lauremília is the wife of current mayor Cícero Lucena, who is seeking re-election. In a statement, the politician stated that this Saturday’s operation is an attack engineered by his opponents on the eve of the election. According to him, his wife will prove that she is a victim of persecution. Until the publication of this report, Lauremília herself had not spoken out.
In total, the PF carries out two search and seizure warrants and two preventive arrest warrants. This is the third phase of Operation Free Territory, carried out in support of the Special Action Group Against Organized Crime.
According to investigators, the investigations carried out this Saturday are the result of the analysis of the material seized in the two previous phases of the operation. The objective is to complement the evidence of materiality, authorship and circumstances of the crimes investigated.
What is voter grooming?
Voter enticement is the practice adopted by a candidate or party of trying to convince voters, using illegal means, to vote for a candidate or party other than the one they would naturally vote for, were it not for the persuasive action taken. It is an electoral crime.
Read the full note released by Cícero Lucena below:
The mayor of João Pessoa, Cícero Lucena, was the target of yet another cowardly and brutal attack, cunningly planned by his opponents on the eve of the election, involving his family.
With his leadership consolidated in all polls, which indicate victory in the first round, his opponents, in recent days, have spread rumors around the city about a new operation. The operation carried out today, therefore, was already foreseen and was recently denounced in the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies by federal deputy Eliza Virgínia, who publicly warned about the political use of institutions with the aim of influencing the electoral campaign in João Pessoa.
In the press, our opponents published fanciful versions and untruths with the aim of tarnishing the honor of an upright woman, respected and loved by the people of Paraíba. Lauremília is not afraid of investigations and, in court, will demonstrate that she is the victim of serious political persecution, orchestrated by Cicero’s opponents, who clearly use their influence for this purpose.
It is a political prison. Lauremília has a permanent residence and would never refuse to give a statement or clarify any facts. There was a use of disproportionate force, as she was not even called to give a statement. Clearly, Cícero’s opponents are using all means to gain power at any cost, without respect for his family or the city of João Pessoa.
Lauremília has a clean life, she is a benefactor in the city and the State. She will prove her innocence, being yet another victim of injustice, just as Cicero was.
João Pessoa cannot and will not back down. The injustices that, once again, affect Cicero and his family will not go unpunished. The campaign will continue on the streets to show that no political force is above God and the sovereign will of the people.
