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STF Justice Mendonça Makes Zettel’s Senate CPI Appearance Optional

The move reflects the court’s use of self‑incrimination protections to curb compulsory testimony at the Organized Crime inquiry.

Overview

  • The ruling allows Fabiano Zettel to skip the CPI session and, if he attends, to remain silent without taking an oath to tell the truth.
  • André Mendonça relied on the same reasoning used to release the brothers of Minister Dias Toffoli and lawyer Paulo Humberto Barbosa from mandatory appearances.
  • Zettel, the brother‑in‑law of banker Daniel Vorcaro, remains under federal investigation tied to Banco Master and was temporarily arrested in the second phase of Operação Compliance Zero.
  • The Senate commission is examining suspected irregular financial movements, investment funds, and real‑estate dealings connected to Banco Master and its associates.
  • Members of the CPI expect other summoned individuals to seek similar Supreme Court relief, potentially constraining the committee’s ability to compel testimony.