The defense of the minister of the Superior Court of Justice, presented a petition to the Federal Supreme Court requesting the declaration of the illegality of testimonial evidence shared by the court in the case in which the magistrate is investigated for sexual harassment. The lawyers also requested, as a precautionary measure, the suspension of the investigation opened at the STJ. The case rapporteur, minister Nunes Brandsdenied the request on Monday (April 13, 2026) and stated that the inquiry is a preliminary procedure that does not require adversarial proceedings or full defense.
In the petition, the defense maintains that the shared oral evidence would be unlawful because it was produced with the participation of the prosecution, but without the presence of the minister’s lawyers. According to the piece, this would violate arms parity and the adversarial system. Nunes Marques rejected the injunction for not identifying, in an initial analysis, sufficient legal grounds to interrupt the ongoing investigation at the STJ and ordered the Attorney General’s Office to comment on the request. Read (PDF — 302 kB).
The case occurs after the STJ Inquiry Committee recommended the . The report was sent to all ministers of the Court on Friday (April 10, 2026).
UNDERSTAND THE CASE
Buzzi has been temporarily suspended from his duties since February 10, 2026, when the Plenum of the STJ decided to initiate and continue the internal investigation. On the same date, the minister presented 90 days, sending a psychiatric report. Before that, he had already formalized a 10-day sick leave.
After the opening of the investigation, Buzzi was admitted to the hospital DF Starin Brasília, and in February 13continuing with home treatment. The minister is prevented from using his office, official car and other prerogatives of the position while the precautionary leave lasts.
The case involves the suspicion that Buzzi had an 18-year-old girl during an episode that occurred on January 9, 2026, in Balneário Camboriú. The minister also became the target of reports of a possible new victim heard within the scope of the National Justice Council.
In a note, the CNJ declared that the case is confidential:
“The CNJ clarifies that the case is being processed within the scope of the National Justice Inspectorate, in secrecy, as required by Brazilian legislation. Such a measure is necessary to preserve the privacy and integrity of the victim, in addition to avoiding undue exposure and revictimization. This morning, the Corregedoria collected statements as part of the process.”
The full STJ will deliberate on the conclusion of the investigations this Tuesday (April 14), at 4:30 pm. The meeting is closed.
