STJ removes minister Marco Buzzi after allegations of sexual harassment
The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) decided, unanimously, this Tuesday, 10, to remove minister Marco Buzzi. He is the target of two complaints of sexual harassment. The ministers also defined that they will judge the conclusions of the investigation investigating the case on March 10th.
“The removal is precautionary, temporary and exceptional. During this period, the minister will be prevented from using his workplace, official vehicle and other prerogatives inherent to the exercise of his role”, says the note from the STJ. The decision took place in an extraordinary session of the Court behind closed doors.
Minister Marco Buzzi requests 90-day leave from STJ amid allegations
Accused of sexual crimes by two women, magistrate alleges heart problems, denies any inappropriate act and is the target of investigations at the CNJ, STF and internal investigations at the STJ
The minister’s defense says that he did not commit any improper act and that “the attempt to judge and condemn” the magistrate “even before the formal start of an investigation” constitutes an “unacceptable civilizational setback”.
The decision, according to the Court, was “in an investigation already initiated to investigate the facts attributed to him”.
The first accusation came to light last week, when the family of an 18-year-old girl approached court ministers. According to reports, the victim spent vacations with the minister’s parents and family at his property, located in Santa Catarina. The minister would have tried to grab the young woman by force.
In addition to the inquiry at the STJ, the case is being investigated at the National Council of Justice (CNJ) and the Federal Supreme Court (STF).
This week, the CNJ received a new complaint, from a woman who worked with the minister and reported facts similar to the first case. Both processes are under secrecy at the agency.
