Bolsonaro denies interference by firing police chief

Brazil's president Jair Bolsonaro on Friday rejected accusations me by his former minister of justice, Sergio Moro, who resigned earlier in day alleging political interference in federal police force.

Moro, who became popular as a cruser against corruption, me anuncement after President Jair Bolsonaro fired he of federal police Mauricio Valeixo.

Moro told reporters Bolsonaro h promised him a free hand, and that he warned Bolsonaro on Thursday that removing Valeixo without cause would amount to political interference.

Bolsonaro did so anyway, without consulting Moro, minister said, ding he took it as evidence he was longer wanted in position.

Valeixo worked closely with Moro in sprawling Car Wash corruption probe until end of 2018.

investigation ensnared scores of politicians and businessmen throughout Latin America, including former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and CEO of construction giant Odebrecht, and transformed Moro into a folk hero.

former judge was Bolsonaro's most widely kwn and popular minister, with approval ratings considerably higher than president's.