Mendonça defends impartiality in Banco Master and INSS cases

Supreme Court Justice André Mendonça of Brazil has underscored the critical need for impartiality in the judiciary, particularly in high-profile investigations that shape public perception of institutional integrity. Speaking on Friday, Mendonça, who is presiding over inquiries involving Banco Master and the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), emphasized that judicial actions must be guided by technical expertise and remain insulated from political influence or external pressures.

Mendonça articulated his role as one of maintaining impartiality, stating, "My role is to be impartial. I think that's my role. And the more I stay on this axis, I think I will correspond to what the Constitution expects of me, and by consequence, I think, society itself." He made these remarks during an interview on IterCast, a podcast hosted by the Instituto Iter, an organization founded by the minister himself.

Drawing parallels with the experiences of the Lava Jato operation, Mendonça cautioned against procedural missteps that could undermine the legitimacy of major investigations. He highlighted the indispensable nature of upholding due process, the right to a defense, and adversarial proceedings, while ensuring that accountability for illicit activities is not compromised. The justice also warned against the politicization of investigations, asserting that corruption cases should not be adjudicated based on partisan or ideological alignments but solely on the evidence presented within the legal framework, thereby preventing undue persecution or protection.