The disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against Minister Marco Buzzi are advancing to a crucial stage. The Court has scheduled the start of the collection of testimonies from victims and witnesses, a phase that should provide key elements for the conclusion of the administrative investigation.
The hearings are scheduled for June 11th. On that occasion, the two women who filed complaints against the magistrate will be heard. In addition to them, another 20 witnesses indicated by the prosecution and the defense are also expected to testify during the course of the proceedings.
Decisive phase of the investigation
The testimonies are seen as fundamental pieces of evidence to support the analysis of the ministers responsible for judging the case. The expectation is that the accounts will help clarify the facts under investigation and guide the final decision regarding any disciplinary action against the member of the Court.
A federal judge will participate in conducting the hearings and will oversee the taking of depositions. The commission in charge of the investigation is composed of ministers Luis Felipe Salomão, Benedito Gonçalves, and Ricardo Villas Bôas Cueva.
The administrative procedure has an initial deadline of 140 days for completion. This period may be extended if the commission considers the measure indispensable for the conclusion of the investigation and there is justification approved by the plenary or the Special Body of the court.
The minister has been on leave since February.
Marco Buzzi has been suspended from his duties since February 10th by order of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ). In addition to being barred from exercising judicial duties, he is prohibited from accessing the Court's premises for the duration of the investigations.
The accusations that gave rise to the disciplinary proceedings involve two separate complaints. The first was filed by an 18-year-old girl who spent part of her January vacation at the minister's residence in Santa Catarina. The second complaint came from a woman who worked in his office and recounts an episode that allegedly occurred in 2023.
Other investigations are ongoing.
In addition to the administrative investigation conducted by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), the case is also the subject of other lines of inquiry. The minister is the target of proceedings underway within the Judiciary, including one... Inquiry opened at the Supreme Federal Court (STF) by Minister Nunes Marques.
In statements sent to the press, Marco Buzzi's defense maintains that the magistrate did not commit any inappropriate act throughout his career. The lawyers further assert that the accusations against the minister are not accompanied by concrete evidence to support the allegations.
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