Brazilian Supreme Court roiled by dispute between justices

What the report says

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court is facing an internal dispute after two justices accused each other of misconduct, deepening pressure on an institution already at the centre of the country’s political conflict, according to Al Jazeera. The clash involves Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who handled the case that led to former President Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction, and Justice Andre Mendonca, who was appointed by Bolsonaro.

Al Jazeera reported that Mendonca released material this week alleging links between de Moraes and banker Daniel Vorcaro, who is accused in a major fraud case. De Moraes responded by saying Mendonca had overstepped his authority in making the documents public. Chief Justice Edson Fachin then said he would give Brazil’s attorney general five days to review the claims against Mendonca, while the court is also expected to decide next week whether de Moraes should be investigated.

The dispute comes as Bolsonaro remains under house arrest after receiving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup, and as his allies try to challenge the legitimacy of the case. The article says the controversy has provided fresh ammunition for Bolsonaro’s supporters ahead of Brazil’s October 4 presidential election, where the political stakes remain high.

More broadly, the episode highlights the court’s unusually prominent role in Brazil’s democratic disputes, including cases involving election subversion, online platforms and public corruption. Al Jazeera noted that criticism of de Moraes has also extended beyond Brazil, including earlier US sanctions and backing from Trump-aligned figures.