STF First Panel Opens Case Against Gayer, Readies Malafaia Vote, Sends Flight Probe to Prosecutors

Overview

• Brazil’s Supreme Court First Panel unanimously opened a criminal case Tuesday against Deputy Gustavo Gayer after he posted an AI image linking President Lula to Hamas and Nazism, with the relator Flávio Dino saying the post is not covered by parliamentary immunity.
• During the same session, Minister Alexandre de Moraes said some politicians use insults against the Court as an “election ladder,” arguing they seek online attention instead of debating policy.
• The case against pastor Silas Malafaia is set to resume in a physical session after a destaque by Minister Cristiano Zanin voided earlier virtual votes, and his defense has asked relator Moraes to postpone until the five‑member panel is fully seated because a four‑judge bench risks a tie.
• A Federal Police inquest on a 2024 private flight was sent to the Supreme Court after cameras showed seven bags leaving São Roque’s executive airport without X‑ray screening under authorization by tax auditor Marco Antônio Canella, while the lawmakers’ luggage did go through X‑ray and the bag owners remain unknown.
• Minister Moraes has forwarded the flight inquiry to the Prosecutor‑General’s Office for a view within five days because the presence of sitting lawmakers triggers Supreme Court jurisdiction, so the next step depends on prosecutors’ assessment.