Sérgio Moro: The investigating officer issues a summons to hear someone, and the CPI has investigative powers similar to those of police authorities — and even powers equivalent to judicial authority in some cases, except in hypotheses of an absolute judicial reserve — however, we have seen a profusion of absences at CPIs, under the pretext of protecting the right to remain silent.
Sérgio Moro: I respect that understanding of part of the Supreme Court, that a person even has the possibility of not appearing, but I do not readily see that as a natural unfolding of the right to remain silent.
The right to remain silent means that someone called to testify, in the capacity of an investigated person, or even as a witness, when faced with a question whose answer may be self-incriminating, does indeed have the right to remain silent.
Sérgio Moro: It is in our Constitution. It is an achievement that dates back to ancient times, in an affirmation of fundamental freedoms, which can be traced back to precedents prior to the Glorious Revolution in England, in the 17th century.
Sérgio Moro: Now, simply being absent, ignoring a parliamentary summons, brings discredit to the very institution of the CPI (Parliamentary Inquiry Commission).