Former Justice Minister José Carlos Dias Calls for Resurrection of Brazil's Supreme Court

Former Justice Minister and criminal lawyer José Carlos Dias has stated that the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) needs a resurrection to resolve the internal conflicts currently marking the institution. In a recent interview, the 87 year old lawyer expressed sadness over the current state of the court, noting that the public exchange of accusations between ministers has damaged the image of the tribunal. While he emphasized the importance of the court as a moderating power, Dias suggested considering model changes such as fixed mandates for ministers.

Dias specifically criticized the relationship between Ministers Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça, describing their mutual attacks as grotesque. He characterized Mendonça as a Bolsonarista figure appointed by former President Jair Bolsonaro. Regarding Minister Alexandre de Moraes, Dias described him as a great disappointment. Although he praised Moraes's brilliance and his role in the conviction of Jair Bolsonaro and other high ranking officials for an attempted coup, Dias cited the circumstances of Moraes's appointment by former President Michel Temer as concerning. He specifically pointed to an unjustifiable million dollar contract involving Moraes's wife and former banker Daniel Vorcaro.

José Carlos Dias has a long history of defending human rights and democracy, including work with the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Sao Paulo under Cardinal Paulo Evaristo Arns during the military dictatorship. He previously served as Secretary of Justice under Franco Montoro and as Minister of Justice under Fernando Henrique Cardoso. He also coordinated the National Truth Commission from 2011 to 2014 and led the Arns Human Rights Commission from 2019 to 2023.