Carla Zambelli seeks STF safe-conduct to vote in Brazil

Carla Zambelli, a former federal deputy currently in Italy, has filed a preventive habeas corpus with the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) to obtain a safe-conduct permit. The request seeks to allow her to return to Brazil temporarily during the 2026 elections to vote for her mother, Rita Luzia Zambelli Salgado, a candidate for federal deputy in São Paulo, and then return to Italy without being arrested.

Zambelli faces two major convictions totaling over 15 years in prison: a 10-year sentence for invading the systems of the National Council of Justice (CNJ) and falsifying documents, and a 5-year and 3-month sentence for illegal weapon possession and illegal constraint following a 2022 incident. Her defense argues that she intends to stay in Brazil for approximately 48 hours, arriving on October 3, 2026, and departing on October 5.

The defense also challenges the impartiality of Minister Alexandre de Moraes, citing elements from an Italian Supreme Court decision regarding her extradition process. They are requesting the suspension of her sentences pending the outcome of investigations involving the ‘Banco Master’ case and alleged irregular communications involving the Minister.