TV host ordered killings

BRAZIL. Police have accused a TV presenter in Brazil of being involved in organized drug trafficking and ordering killings to get rid of rivals and boost ratings.

Wallace Souza, who is also a state legislator, says the claims are an attempt by rivals to smear him and that there is no evidence to back them. His TV show was halted late last year as police stepped up their inquiry.

The authorities believe that Souza commissioned at least five murders in order to get rid of drug trafficking rivals and to boost his programme ratings.

State Security Secretary Francisco Cavalcanti says the truth has now become clear.

"On several occasions they fabricated the facts, they fabricated news," Mr Cavalcanti said.

Wallace Souza faces a variety of charges, including drug trafficking and weapons possession, but remains free because for the moment his political role gives him immunity. His son Rafael, has been arrested on charges of murder, drug trafficking and illegally possessing guns. The authorities believe that Souza commissioned at least five murders.