On Friday, Brazilian Supreme Court Minister Gilmar Mendes voted in favor of maintaining the preventive detention of Daniel Vorcaro, associated with Banco Master. The decision reflects a unanimous position from the court's Second Chamber. However, Mendes expressed reservations during the vote, indicating that he could reconsider the situation in the future. His critique included the notion of a 'media frenzy and oppressive publicity,' explicitly referencing the implications of the Lava Jato operation, which has had a significant impact on Brazilian politics and law enforcement practices.

Mendes's comments highlighted broader concerns about the legal system's reliance on preventive detentions as a method to induce plea bargains. The case has drawn attention not only for its connection to the banking sector but also for how it mirrors past operations where pressure was used to obtain testimony from accused individuals. Following the formation of a majority opinion in the ongoing trial, Vorcaro has opted to change his legal team and strategy, signaling a shift towards negotiating a plea deal in light of the court's decision.

The trial is taking place in a virtual plenary, where ministers submit their votes in a remote setting without the opportunity for live debate. This session, which started on March 13th, will conclude on March 20th, with several ministers already casting their votes, indicating a swift progression through the judicial process amid the ongoing controversies surrounding the treatment of prisoners and the influence of media coverage on legal proceedings.