The event raised doubts about the impartiality of the judges involved in the businessman’s cases
The CNJ (National Council of Justice) began investigating the conduct of judges at the Court of Justice of Santa Catarina after a dinner with businessman Luciano Hang, owner of Lojas Havan.
The event was held on December 16 in Brusque (SC) and raised questions about the impartiality of judges, as Hang is involved in cases under the court’s judgment.
The dinner celebrated the reopening of Casa Renaux, a historic building restored by Hang. The investigation was ordered by Minister Mauro Campbell Marques, national inspector of justice.
Among the judges who attended, Saul Steil and Jairo Fernandes Gonçalves had already ruled in favor of Hang in 2021. If the judges are found to be biased, they could be sentenced to compulsory retirement.
Judge Haidée Grin, also present, is the rapporteur of an appeal filed by a teacher who has already been ordered to pay R$20,000 to the businessman.
In a note, the Court of Santa Catarina declared that “the principle of functional independence guarantees magistrates the autonomy and impartiality necessary to exercise their functions”.
