# Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-supreme-court-justice-cristiano-zanin
> Updated: 2026-10-25T21:25:54.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Cristiano Zanin, a member of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF), has become a central figure in national political debate. Nominated by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and approved by the Senate in 2023, Zanin replaced retired Justice Ricardo Lewandowski.

His appointment has drawn scrutiny due to his previous role as a defense attorney for President Lula during the Operation Lava Jato investigations, leading to discussions regarding judicial independence. 

In October 2026, it was reported that Nelson Martins, a lawyer and the father of Minister Zanin, passed away at the age of 90 in Piracicaba, São Paulo. The STF and other judicial leaders issued official condolences to the Minister and his family.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Cristiano Zanin: From Lula's lawyer to Supreme Court Justice

Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin, formerly a lawyer for President Lula, remains a key figure in Brazilian political discourse regarding judicial independence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-zanin-from-lulas-lawyer-to-supreme-court-justice

### 2026-10-11: Nelson Martins, father of STF Minister Cristiano Zanin, dies at 90

Nelson Martins, father of Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Minister Cristiano Zanin, has died at age 90 in Piracicaba, São Paulo. The STF issued an official note of condolence to the family.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nelson-martins-father-of-stf-minister-cristiano-zanin-dies-at-90

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Cite as: Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Cristiano Zanin. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-supreme-court-justice-cristiano-zanin