STF President Fachin and Justice Mendonça Lift Secrecy on Master Case Investigations

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice André Mendonça has lifted the secrecy of 14 procedures related to the Banco Master case following a request from the court president, Justice Edson Fachin. The decision allows other justices to access the files before a plenary session scheduled for Tuesday, September 15. This session will analyze a Federal Police report that suggests a relationship between Justice Alexandre de Moraes and former banker Daniel Vorcaro. While the primary investigation and several related procedures are now public, secrecy remains for specific diligences that could compromise future operations.

The move comes amid an unprecedented internal crisis within the STF. Justice Fachin has taken several steps to stabilize the court, including removing Justice Moraes from the relatorship of the fake news inquiry and suspending conflicting orders from Justices Mendonça and Flávio Dino regarding the leadership of the Federal Police. Reports indicate that Fachin spent Thursday consulting with several colleagues and the Prosecutor General, Paulo Gonet, to determine the procedure for Tuesday's session.

There is internal disagreement regarding the validity of the Federal Police report. Some justices argue that Justice Mendonça overstepped by requesting an investigation into a fellow justice without plenary authorization. Meanwhile, allies of Justice Moraes are reportedly pushing for the upcoming session to be closed to the public, though Justice Fachin is said to oppose this.

Political implications have also emerged. President Lula has called for full transparency to counter selective leaks that he claims impact electoral disputes. Some reports note that the Master case investigations could potentially affect other political figures, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.