Moraes vota para derrubar manobra da Câmara pró-Ramagem - 09/05/2025 - Poder - Folha

Key Ruling by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes

Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) voted to partially overturn the Chamber of Deputies' decision to halt the legal proceedings against Deputy Alexandre Ramagem. The Chamber sought to entirely suspend the case, but Moraes argued that this exceeded their constitutional authority. His ruling maintains the case's progress regarding charges predating Ramagem's election.

Charges Against Ramagem and Constitutional Limits

Ramagem faces charges, including involvement in a 2022 coup attempt, from the Attorney General's Office (PGR). The Constitution allows Congress to suspend proceedings against lawmakers for offenses committed after their election; however, Moraes deemed the Chamber's action unconstitutional in its entirety. His decision limited Congress's power to only the charges linked to the January 8th attacks.

Reactions and Further Developments

This decision follows an earlier attempt by the Chamber, with a vote of 315 to 143, to completely halt proceedings. The ruling's potential impact on other defendants in the coup plot, including former president Jair Bolsonaro, remains a focus. Four Supreme Court Justices confirmed to Folha de S.Paulo newspaper, on condition of anonymity, that the Chamber's initial decision was unconstitutional. The case's next phase will continue within the Supreme Court's First Panel.

• Moraes' ruling challenges the Chamber's attempt to suspend the entire case.
• The decision limits congressional intervention to charges arising after Ramagem's election.
• The case's implications for other defendants, including Jair Bolsonaro, remain significant.