# Internal tensions and procedural changes in Brazil's STF

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/internal-tensions-in-brazil-supreme-federal-court
> Updated: 2026-10-01T02:00:10.000Z. Sources: 47. Developments: 3.

Internal tensions within Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) have prompted efforts by President Edson Fachin to maintain institutional stability. Following a contentious session on September 15 involving ministers Alexandre de Moraes and André Mendonça, Fachin held individual meetings with justices to request that disagreements be kept out of plenary sessions and that members maintain decorum.

Challenges to judicial impartiality have persisted regarding Minister Flávio Dino. President Fachin recently rejected a request from Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s defense to remove Dino from presiding over several legal proceedings. The defense filed a motion of suspicion, arguing that Dino’s personal and political ties to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva could compromise his impartiality in cases that may impact the 2026 presidential elections. These cases include investigations into the alleged use of parliamentary amendments to fund the biopic ‘Dark Horse’ and various electoral matters. Additionally, Dino recently suspended a Superior Electoral Court (TSE) decision that had blocked social media posts concerning Flávio Bolsonaro.

To address procedural challenges, Fachin has implemented new judicial distribution rules. A new resolution establishes a screening process for petitions submitted by third parties not originally involved in a case, ensuring requests follow standard distribution rules and the principle of the natural judge to prevent the strategic targeting of specific ministers.

Furthermore, Fachin has engaged with the Federal Police regarding the Banco Master investigation. He has requested a formal report on the potential involvement of STF ministers, asserting that investigations must proceed “without exception of person” to ensure institutional integrity. The Federal Police are scheduled to meet with Fachin on October 13 to present a list of ministers mentioned in communications with former banker Daniel Vorcaro. Fachin also issued a statement defending democratic processes and calling for a peaceful voting environment for upcoming elections.

## Claims

- STF President Edson Fachin rejected a request to remove Minister Flávio Dino from presiding over specific legal cases. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The defense of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro argued that Minister Flávio Dino should be declared biased due to personal ties with President Lula. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The legal challenge included investigations into the alleged use of parliamentary amendments to fund the film 'Dark Horse'. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The decision by Fachin is currently under judicial secrecy. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- Edson Fachin issued a resolution to prevent the targeting of specific ministers through petitions in ongoing processes. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Edson Fachin stated that appropriate measures will be taken once a complete report regarding the Master case is received, without exception of any person. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Dino is the rapporteur for an investigation into whether Deputy Mário Frias sent R$ 2 million in amendments to the Instituto Conhecer Brasil. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Edson Fachin released a note defending democracy and the importance of the vote ahead of the 2026 elections. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Edson Fachin orders investigation into STF ministers in Banco Master case

STF President Edson Fachin has ordered the Federal Police to investigate potential involvement of court ministers in the Banco Master case “without exception” and implemented new rules to prevent petition mis-p

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/edson-fachin-marks-first-year-at-stf-amid-judicial-tensions

### 2026-10-01: Edson Fachin rejects request to remove Flávio Dino from Flávio Bolsonaro cases

STF President Edson Fachin rejected a request to remove Minister Flávio Dino from cases involving Flávio Bolsonaro, citing the defense's claims of bias due to Dino's ties to President Lula.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stf-president-edson-fachin-rejects-flvio-bolsonaros-request-to-remove-minister-flvio-dino

### 2026-09-25: STF President Edson Fachin seeks truce to mask internal court crisis

STF President Edson Fachin has urged Supreme Court ministers to maintain decorum and keep internal disputes out of plenary sessions to preserve institutional functioning.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stf-president-edson-fachin-seeks-truce-to-mask-internal-court-crisis

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Cite as: Internal tensions and procedural changes in Brazil's STF. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/internal-tensions-in-brazil-supreme-federal-court