Brazil Judge Suspended for Hidden Cameras in Courtrooms

Brazilian labor judge Rui Oliveira de Castro Vieira, who serves in the Labor Court of Balsas, Maranhão, was placed under precautionary suspension after authorities discovered a clandestine surveillance system.

The system consisted of seven devices concealed in lamp fixtures that recorded video in 360 degrees and audio, installed in the judge’s office, courtroom, waiting area, secretariat and cafeteria. The judge claimed the equipment was intended to monitor the facility for security of staff and litigants.

The suspension was ordered by Minister Vieira de Mello Filho of the Superior Labor Court (TST) following a disciplinary complaint filed by the regional labor court’s corregedor, Justice Gerson de Oliveira Costa Filho of TRT‑16. The investigation originated from an ordinary inspection that identified the unauthorized devices.

The case has been reported by lawyer Alex Ferreira Borralho and confirmed by major media, highlighting concerns about privacy violations and judicial misconduct.