Brazil's Superior Court of Justice (STJ) unanimously opened a disciplinary process on April 14 against Minister Marco Aurélio Buzzi, following a February preliminary inquiry into sexual harassment complaints from two women. Buzzi will remain away from duties pending the outcome, handled by a new commission of ministers.
Building on the STJ's February 4 decision to launch a preliminary inquiry into allegations against Minister Marco Aurélio Buzzi, the court unanimously approved a full administrative disciplinary process (PAD) during an April 14 afternoon session. The move accepts the inquiry report detailing complaints from two women: the January beach incident in Santa Catarina involving the daughter of Buzzi's friends, and a separate claim from an outsourced employee in his office.
Buzzi denies the accusations, calling them unproven accounts. His defense, led by lawyers Paulo Emílio Catta Preta and Maria Fernanda Ávila, expressed resignation but highlighted his 40 years of unblemished service.
The PAD commission includes ministers Luis Felipe Salomão (president), Benedito Gonçalves, and Ricardo Villas Bõas Cueva, with Humberto Martins and João Otávio de Noronha as alternates. Justices noted backstage that the files present conflicting versions, necessitating further review.
At the STF, rapporteur Justice Kassio Nunes Marques has opened a criminal inquiry and denied the defense's request to halt the probe, affirming the right to defense in the PAD. The most severe penalty is compulsory retirement, requiring 22 of 33 votes in secret ballot; Buzzi would lose his position but keep benefits.
