The dean of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF), Justice Gilmar Mendes, publicly criticized the selective leaking of sealed case files and the political use of criminal investigations during a plenary session on Wednesday (30). The statement took place at the opening of the court's sitting to commemorate the first anniversary of Chief Justice Edson Fachin at the helm of the tribunal.

The remarks come amid rising institutional friction in Brasília, fueled by recent leaks of confidential police findings and messages involving public figures just days before the national general election. Looking back at the court's handling of major inquiries, including Operation Car Wash proceedings assigned to Fachin in 2017 following the death of Justice Teori Zavascki, Mendes contrasted that record with current developments.

Addressing his colleagues on the bench, Mendes emphasized that procedural secrecy is essential to ensure due process and protect the constitutional presumption of innocence for all investigated parties:

"At that time, there were no reports of selective leaks from our chambers, despite the sensitivity of the documents under our care. Nor was there any act that could indicate the electoral or political use of investigations."

Mendes noted that, although he and Fachin frequently took opposite views on criminal procedural standards, they shared the common principle that a judge cannot act as a party or an instrument for political agendas. The dean also highlighted rulings delivered under Fachin's presidency, including curbs on discretionary judicial bonuses, regulations on foreign-controlled corporate land purchases, and the validation of equal pay legislation for women and men.

Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet defended Fachin against allegations of hesitation during recent institutional tensions, describing the Chief Justice as a leader committed to measured dialogue who knows when and how to act. The Supreme Court is scheduled to reconvene for regular plenary hearings next week to examine pending constitutional appeals and motions.