Brazilian Supreme Court justices are making headlines this holiday season by forgoing their traditional recess to continue their judicial duties. Amidst growing political tensions and legal challenges, Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes has confirmed he will work throughout the holiday recess from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025. This announcement was first reported by Veja and later confirmed by Brasil de Fato.
The decision to remain active during the recess is particularly significant as the Attorney General's Office (PGR) prepares to present charges related to the attempted coup to maintain former President Jair Bolsonaro's power following his electoral defeat. According to reports, the PGR could submit these charges before the regular court sessions resume after February, putting pressure on prosecutors to act swiftly.
Justice de Moraes is not alone in his commitment to remain on duty; he is joined by Justices André Mendonça, Gilmar Mendes, and Dias Toffoli, who have all pledged to work through the judicial break. "I will work normally during the holiday recess," de Moraes stated, echoing sentiments reflected across the court.
Paulo Gonet, the Attorney General, indicated he too plans to engage with his work during this period. Gonet has suggested he would address urgent matters pertinent to the coup investigation, taking time to focus on reports from the Federal Police (PF). These reports provide evidence against 37 individuals implicated, including Bolsonaro and his ex-minister, Walter Braga Netto.
Braga Netto has recently come under increased scrutiny following his arrest on December 14, which marked the first time a high-ranking general was detained by civilian authorities for obstruction of investigations. His detention intensifies scrutiny on the PGR, with expectations growing for decisive action. The former minister's lawyer revealed they expect forthcoming developments as Brazil's courts tackle the numerous allegations surrounding the coup attempt.
While justices like Cristiano Zanin and Flávio Dino plan to operate partially during the recess for specific issues, their commitments differ significantly from the full-time availability of their counterparts. Zanin will oversee inquiries related to alleged sales of judicial sentences, whereas Dino will focus on structural matters within his jurisdiction, including environmental cases.
The court's activities during the recess will be conducted under the watchful eye of the public, with urgent cases taking precedence. The suspensions of procedural deadlines until the end of January allow for recalibrations within the system as counsels gather their strategies. Still, the court’s capacity to address pressing cases means justice will not be interrupted completely.
The PGR's prioritization of the coup inquiry has set the stage for significant resolutions as the judicial recess progresses. Previous reports indicated the urgency surrounding the preparation of relevant evidence, including various testimonies from key witnesses like the lieutenant colonel Mauro Cid, who remains central to the investigations. New insights, including documents found during incursions at Braga Netto's office, reveal attempts to obstruct justice by gathering sensitive information.
Gonet's office intends to maintain momentum through this ethical responsibility, striving to navigate complex cases and bring accountability to those questioning the very fabric of Brazil's democracy. The nation watches closely as these developments evolve, hoping for transparent and fair resolutions to the questions surrounding the coup attempt.
With the court operating during this period, and the PGR continuing its assessments, Brazil finds itself at the crossroads of justice and accountability, marking the holiday season with legal proceedings instead of rest. The political atmosphere remains tense, and the outcomes of the inquiries are likely to reverberate through Brazilian society long after the holiday break.
