Moraes Backs Receiving PGR Complaint Against Eduardo Bolsonaro as STF Panel Votes

Overview

• The First Panel opened a virtual session on Nov. 14 to decide whether to accept the PGR’s charge of coercion, which would turn the lawmaker into a formal defendant.
• Relator Alexandre de Moraes cast the first vote to receive the complaint; Cristiano Zanin, Flávio Dino and Cármen Lúcia still need to vote, with the window open until Nov. 25.
• The PGR, citing Federal Police findings, alleges Eduardo acted in the United States to push for visa revocations and economic sanctions to intimidate STF ministers and affect cases involving Jair Bolsonaro.
• With Eduardo abroad and notified by public notice, the Federal Public Defender’s Office was appointed to submit his defense, which challenges service and argues his conduct is protected political speech.
• The complaint against co-accused Paulo Figueiredo was split off pending service via letter rogatory in the U.S., and if the case is received the court may impose procedural measures as the action opens.