Gilmar Mendes rejects criminal complaint by Alfredo Gaspar

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Gilmar Mendes has rejected a criminal complaint filed by Alfredo Gaspar, the vice-presidential candidate on Flávio Bolsonaro’s ticket, against Federal Deputy Lindbergh Farias and Senator Soraya Thronicke.

The complaint alleged slander and libel following statements made during a March meeting of the INSS Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPMI). During the session, Farias reportedly called Gaspar a ‘rapist’ amidst a heated discussion. Thronicke and Farias also held a press conference mentioning a fact-finding report sent to the Federal Police regarding allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor.

Minister Mendes ruled that the statements are protected by parliamentary immunity under the Constitution, as they occurred within the context of legislative duties and political debate. While acknowledging the gravity and offensiveness of the remarks, Mendes stated that the Court should not act as a disciplinary body for political decorum.

The underlying investigation into the allegations against Gaspar had previously been archived by the STF in October following a recommendation from the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGR) due to a lack of evidence.