Brazil's Justice Minister Sergio Moro has stepped down from his post, announcing his resignation at a press conference in the capital Brasilia.
Moro accused Bolsonaro of meddling in law enforcement by sacking the head of the federal police. The politician said that he could not accept the present situation and regarded the dismissal of the police chief as a sign that the president wanted him out of his job.
He added that Bolsonaro fired federal police chief Mauricio Valeixo without accepting a replacement for the position.
The news of Moro's resignation has sent the stock market into a downward spiral, with the Sao Paulo exchange reporting an 8% dip.
On Thursday, when reports of Valeixo's dismissal emerged, Moro vowed to step down from his post. However, he said that he would stay if he is granted the right to pick Valeixo's successor, according to a source quoted by Reuters.
Moro has served as Minister of Justice since 1 January 2019. He was nominated for the position by Bolsonaro in October 2018.
The minister, who previously served as a judge, has been actively engaged in the fight against corruption in the country, overseeing probes into top figures including former President Lula.
