Brazil’s Supreme Court shuts down early as political chaos mounts

What the report says

Brazil’s Supreme Court has cancelled hearings for a second straight day amid widening fallout from a banking scandal and new disputes among its justices, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday. Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin postponed deliberations until Tuesday, a rare move for the court, as accusations of corruption, political bias and interference continued to circulate.

According to the report, tensions intensified after Justice Andre Mendonca released federal police material that appeared to show disgraced banker Daniel Vorcaro communicating with Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Mendonca, who was appointed to the court by former President Jair Bolsonaro, later drew criticism from de Moraes, who accused him of overstepping his authority for political advantage. The court is expected to discuss whether de Moraes should be investigated over the messages.

The dispute is tied to the Banco Master case, in which Vorcaro, the bank’s head, was arrested in November 2025 on accusations of defrauding investors. Al Jazeera said the collapse of Banco Master’s private banking arm left more than $7bn in debt. The scandal has now reached lawmakers and Bolsonaro allies, including his son Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.

The timing is politically sensitive because Brazil is heading toward general elections in October, including a presidential race expected to pit President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva against Senator Bolsonaro. The turmoil adds pressure on institutions already under scrutiny in a polarized political environment.