STJ Minister Marco Buzzi's Defense Seeks Trial Postponement Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
The defense team for Superior Court of Justice (STJ) Minister Marco Buzzi, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment and molestation from two women, has requested a postponement of his trial. The trial, scheduled for Thursday, August 6th, will determine whether Buzzi will be permanently removed from his ministerial position. He was initially suspended in February when the accusations surfaced and has been awaiting the trial's conclusion. The STJ's plenary session will be held in person and closed to the public. Buzzi's lawyers argue they require more time to meet with all the ministers involved in the judgment, citing the recent return of ministers from recess and the resulting workload as making it "materially impossible" to present their arguments adequately before the August 6th date. They are requesting the trial be moved to the following week or another suitable date. The request was formally submitted to STJ President Minister Herman Benjamin. The accusations against Buzzi include claims from an 18-year-old woman alleging molestation during a beach outing in January 2026 at Buzzi's home in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina. Additionally, a former staff member reported seven instances of sexual harassment and molestation while working in his STJ office between 2023 and 2025. Concurrently, Buzzi is under investigation in two criminal inquiries at the Supreme Federal Court (STF) for alleged sexual molestation and suspected involvement in a judicial corruption scheme. Buzzi's defense attorney, Maria Fernanda Saad Ávila, has publicly disputed the accusations, pointing to alleged contradictions in witness testimonies and asserting that Buzzi was not alone in his office with the accuser. Regarding the Santa Catarina incident, the defense claims Buzzi has mobility issues and required the young woman's assistance to exit the sea.
The defense's request for a trial postponement highlights the procedural complexities and potential strategic maneuvering within high-stakes judicial proceedings. By citing the need for adequate consultation time with all involved ministers, the defense aims to ensure a thorough presentation of their case, potentially influencing the outcome of the administrative disciplinary process. This situation underscores the critical balance between judicial efficiency and the right to a robust defense, particularly when significant professional consequences are at stake. The parallel criminal investigations at the STF add another layer of complexity, suggesting that the legal ramifications for Minister Buzzi extend beyond the STJ's internal disciplinary measures, potentially impacting his broader legal standing and future career.
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