CNJ proposes removal of Maranhão judge over forum construction irregularities

The National Council of Justice (CNJ) has unanimously decided to propose the removal from office of Maranhão State Court (TJMA) judge Antônio Pacheco Guerreiro Júnior. The decision follows an administrative disciplinary process investigating irregularities in the construction of the Imperatriz Forum.

Investigations focused on potential misconduct regarding the project's basic design, bidding procedures, contract execution, and budgetary management. The construction project, which began in 2013, was halted in 2016 after approximately R$ 75 million had been spent, with estimates suggesting an additional R$ 180 million would be required for completion.

While the CNJ has applied a penalty of availability and proposed the loss of office, the removal is not immediate. The case will be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Union (AGU) to initiate the necessary judicial proceedings. The judge has been suspended from his duties since October 2023. In the same session, the CNJ dismissed similar requests regarding judge Antônio Fernando Bayma Araújo.