Rio de Janeiro Electoral Court rejects Cristiane Brasil candidacy

The Regional Electoral Court of Rio de Janeiro (TRE-RJ) has rejected the candidacy of Cristiane Brasil (DC) for federal deputy. By a majority vote, the court denied her registration due to evidence suggesting involvement with a criminal organization involving firearms.

The court's decision cited Article 17, paragraph 4 of the Brazilian Constitution, which prohibits the direct or indirect use of paramilitary organizations in the electoral process. The ruling also addressed the concept of ‘milícias de gravata’ (white-collar militias), referring to groups that use state structures to exert power over the political-electoral process. Additionally, the court ordered an investigation into the Christian Democracy (DC) party regarding potential fraud.

Cristiane Brasil, daughter of former deputy Roberto Jefferson, was previously arrested for 33 days in 2020 as part of Operation Catarata, which investigated irregularities in municipal contracts in Rio de Janeiro. In a video posted to social media, Brasil claimed that the evidence against her had been annulled and stated she intends to appeal the decision, alleging political persecution.