Brazil’s Supreme Court on Tuesday began deliberations on whether Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who led the trial against former President Jair Bolsonaro, should face an investigation in a graft case, adding to tensions ahead of the country’s October presidential election.
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Moraes is facing allegations raised by Justice André Mendonca, a Bolsonaro appointee. Outside the court, dozens of Bolsonaro supporters protested, demanding that Moraes step down or face impeachment by the Senate.
Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin opened the session after a 40-minute delay by reading a federal police report unsealed by Mendonca last week. Fachin said he had scheduled the hearing to address “a difficult moment” for the court.
“Disagreements are legitimate. Personal confrontations are not,” Fachin said.
Graft probe linked to Banco Master
The case centres on whether Moraes should be included in an investigation into the shuttered Banco Master, which has ensnared senior politicians and members of the judiciary.
Mendonca last week unsealed documents showing that the bank’s jailed head, Daniel Vorcaro, sought legal advice from Moraes shortly before his arrest. The documents also showed that the bank had a 130 million reais ($23 million) contract with the law firm of Moraes’ wife.
Moraes has denied any wrongdoing and accused Mendonca of pursuing a personal vendetta against him.
The dispute comes as Brazil heads towards a closely watched presidential election in October, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expected to face Bolsonaro’s son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
