The political landscape in Brazil is witnessing significant unrest as the Supreme Federal Court (STF) has ruled that the Chamber of Deputies cannot suspend the entirety of the criminal action against federal deputy Alexandre Ramagem (PL-RJ) regarding his alleged involvement in a coup plot. This decision, communicated on April 24, 2025, by Minister Cristiano Zanin, president of the First Panel of the STF, has sparked intense discussions within the political sphere.
Ramagem, a former director of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) and a current federal deputy, is embroiled in a serious legal battle. He is accused of being part of the "crucial nucleus" of a conspiracy aimed at undermining the democratic process following the 2022 elections, which resulted in the victory of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT).
The STF's communication to Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) clarified that while the Constitution allows legislative bodies to suspend criminal proceedings against parliamentarians, this applies only to crimes committed after their official graduation. In Ramagem's case, the court specified that he must continue to face charges related to coup d'état, armed criminal organization, and attempts to abolish the democratic state of law, which allegedly occurred before his inauguration in December 2022.
According to the STF, the only crimes that could potentially be suspended are those involving qualified damage to property and deterioration of listed property, specifically relating to the January 8, 2023, attacks on the Praça dos Três Poderes. These attacks, which occurred shortly after Lula's inauguration, have been widely condemned as an assault on Brazilian democracy.
The political ramifications of this ruling are profound. The PL party, to which Ramagem belongs, has expressed intentions to request a suspension of the criminal action until the end of his term. However, this request will face scrutiny as it must first pass through the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) of the Chamber before reaching the plenary for a vote.
On April 23, 2025, Deputy Alfredo Gaspar (União-AL) was appointed as the rapporteur for this request. His role will be pivotal in determining the future of Ramagem's legal challenges. The CCJ's analysis of the proposal is expected to be contentious, given the sensitive nature of the accusations and the political stakes involved.
The STF's ruling comes amidst broader concerns about the stability of Brazil's democratic institutions. The accusations against Ramagem are part of a larger narrative involving former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL), who is also implicated in the ongoing investigation. The court's decision to allow the case to proceed underscores the seriousness of the allegations against both men, who are accused of orchestrating a plan to disrupt the democratic transition following the 2022 elections.
In a related context, the political climate remains charged as Bolsonaro's health has reportedly worsened, leading to increased scrutiny of his actions and statements from the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition has become a focal point for both his supporters and detractors, further complicating the political landscape.
The interaction between the judiciary and the legislative branches in this case highlights the delicate balance of power in Brazil. The Constitution provides that the Chamber can suspend criminal proceedings against a parliamentarian for crimes committed after their graduation, but the STF has made it clear that this does not extend to all allegations against Ramagem.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for Brazilian politics are significant. Legislators are grappling with the potential fallout from their decisions regarding Ramagem and the broader implications for the PL party and its leadership. The case is emblematic of the ongoing struggle between the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law and the legislative body's authority to govern its members.
The upcoming deliberations in the CCJ and subsequent votes in the Chamber will be closely watched, as they could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The eyes of the nation are on this pivotal moment in Brazilian politics, with many questioning the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of such serious allegations.
In conclusion, the STF's ruling that the Chamber cannot suspend the criminal action against Alexandre Ramagem marks a critical juncture in Brazil's political saga. As the legal proceedings move forward, the ramifications for Ramagem, Bolsonaro, and the integrity of Brazil's democratic processes remain to be seen.
