Legal proceedings involving Carla Zambelli

Former Brazilian federal deputy Carla Zambelli, currently in Italy, is facing significant legal challenges involving convictions from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and extradition requests from Brazil to Italy.

Zambelli’s legal representation has undergone changes following the resignation of lawyer Fábio Pagnozzi. She has since hired Eduardo Maurício to join Italian attorney Pieremilio Sammarco. The defense team has characterized the legal proceedings as “political persecution,” alleging violations of due process and challenging the impartiality of STF ministers Alexandre de Moraes and Gilmar Mendes.

Zambelli is currently facing prison sentences totaling 15 years and three months. These include a ten-year sentence for invading National Council of Justice (CNJ) systems and inserting false documents, and a five-year and three-month sentence for illegal weapon possession and illegal constraint.

To manage her legal situation, Zambelli has filed a preventive habeas corpus with the STF seeking a safe-conduct permit. This request aims to allow her to return to Brazil temporarily during the 2026 elections to vote for her mother, Rita Luzia Zambelli Salgado—a candidate for federal deputy in São Paulo—and then return to Italy without being arrested. Her defense plans for a 48-hour stay, arriving on October 3, 2026, and departing on October 5.

The defense is also requesting the suspension of her sentences pending investigations into the ‘Banco Master’ case and alleged irregular communications involving Minister Alexandre de Moraes, whom they challenge regarding impartiality based on elements from an Italian Supreme Court decision.