Brazilian Mayor's Fake Assassination Plot Uncovered by Police

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Brazilian authorities have launched an investigation into Mayor José Aprígio da Silva of Taboão da Serra for allegedly staging a fake assassination attempt to boost his re-election campaign. Police reports indicate that the October incident, where Silva sustained a gunshot wound from an AK-47, was orchestrated by the mayor’s supporters, meant to generate public sympathy and sway voters ahead of local elections. According to police, the alleged conspirators paid nearly 500,000 reais (approximately $100,000) to hire fake hitmen for the plot.

Despite initial widespread outrage and condemnation from high-profile politicians, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, investigators now believe that the supposed attack was a ruse. Evidence suggests that the mayor's armored vehicle lacked adequate ballistic protection to stop assault rifle rounds, potentially leading to his unintended injury. Silva's lawyers have denied any involvement in this scheme, asserting that he was a genuine victim of violence. Following the revelation, Silva lost the election to rival Daniel Plana Bogalho, who expressed relief that the truth had surfaced.

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Isolated Indigenous Man Returns to Amazon Tribe After Brief Visit

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