A crisis is shaking Brazil’s Supreme Court. Here’s what to know

Brazil’s Supreme Court is grappling with an unprecedented crisis as sessions are being canceled and justices are overruling one another’s decisions. Suspicions of corruption, political bias, and interference from law enforcement have emerged among several members ahead of the upcoming presidential election in October.

The turmoil centers around Justice Andre Mendonca, appointed by former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is leading the investigation into Banco Master, a mid-sized bank worth up to $16 billion. Former Master CEO Daniel Vorcaro, arrested earlier this year, had business dealings with high-ranking politicians, including Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the former president.

Meanwhile, Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a rival of Mendonca, provided legal advice to Vorcaro and had a 130 million reais contract to provide legal services to Banco Master.

Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, facing off against incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a closely contested presidential race, admitted to receiving a $12 million payment for a movie about his father’s life but denied wrongdoing. Some court members accuse Mendonca of selectively releasing case details and delaying information related to Sen. Bolsonaro to influence the election.

De Moraes, who played a crucial role in Bolsonaro’s 2022 coup attempt conviction, now faces potential impeachment by the Senate for investigating his superior.

Brazil’s next president will appoint at least four new Supreme Court justices, with terms lasting until age 75. Some Senate candidates allied with Flávio Bolsonaro aim to impeach current justices, while Lula supporters are considering term limits. Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin is attempting to de-escalate the political tension by removing Mendonca from overseeing the Banco Master case and ordering the unsealing of all related documents.