Overview
- Justice André Mendonça ordered the preventive suspension of Federal Police director-general Andrei Rodrigues and intelligence chief Leandro Almada on Tuesday, saying police produced illegal intelligence reports involving the court.
- A day later Justice Flávio Dino issued a counter-order to reinstate Rodrigues and Almada, saying their removal would harm ongoing investigations under his supervision.
- Chief Justice Edson Fachin then suspended both conflicting rulings, gave Rodrigues 48 hours to provide information, and postponed court sessions while the full court prepares to decide whether to open formal inquiries.
- Federal Police leaders publicly defended Rodrigues and the force’s reputation, and 11 senior police directors offered to resign in protest of the suspension, highlighting internal strain on the agency.
- The clash began after Mendonça released messages tied to banker Daniel Vorcaro that raised questions about Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and the dispute has spilled into the presidential campaign with possible probes, impeachment petitions, and long-term stakes for the court’s makeup.