The Superior Court of Justice (STJ) of Brazil has decided to suspend Minister Marco Buzzi due to ongoing investigations related to accusations of sexual harassment. This precautionary suspension was determined during a closed-door meeting where the voting was unanimous among the attending members, reflecting a serious stance on the allegations against the minister. The court requires at least 17 votes from its 33 members to effect an investigation, but this particular vote received 27 in favor, indicating significant support for the minister's removal from his duties while the investigation is pending.

Buzzi's suspension is expected to last until the internal investigation into his conduct is completed. The STJ will reconvene to deliberate on Buzzi's future at the conclusion of the commission’s findings, which is anticipated to result in a compulsory retirement for him if the allegations are substantiated. For such a measure to pass, 22 votes from the 33 court members are necessary, highlighting the weight of the decision and the implications of the investigation for the judiciary.

The meeting was called by STJ President Herman Benjamin, who emphasized the importance of addressing the matter thoroughly. The allegations against Buzzi point to significant issues of professional conduct within the Brazilian judiciary, and the outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, impacting the integrity and public perception of the justice system in Brazil.