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Gilmar Mendes gives 28-minute interview defending STF and criticizes press and politicians

2 sources · 26 Apr 2026 · Share coverage ·

Minister Gilmar Mendes gave an interview to Jornal da Globo last Thursday defending the STF amid the crisis related to the Banco Master scandal. He criticized the press, Senator Alessandro Vieira, and former governor Romeu Zema, who had published a video with puppets satirizing STF ministers.

The STF has been facing a credibility crisis related to the Banco Master scandal, with news reports linking the Court to the case involving Daniel Vorcaro. Justice Gilmar Mendes, the STF's senior member for 24 years, decided to publicly defend the institution amid attacks from politicians and low approval ratings in polls.

1. What we know (3)

Gilmar Mendes gave a 28-minute interview to Jornal da Globo last Thursday

1 source Brazil Journal

The minister filed a criminal complaint to Alexandre de Moraes against Romeu Zema over the puppet video

1 source Brazil Journal

Gilmar Mendes made comments about Zema's accent and later apologized for a comment about homosexuality

1 source Brazil Journal
2. Where coverage thins out (3)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (3)

Gilmar Mendes called Senator Alessandro Vieira's conduct 'pathetic' and 'cowardly'

Reported by: Brazil Journal
Did not cover: Gazeta do Povo

Gilmar Mendes said the Master crisis is 'a Faria Lima crisis' that the press is trying to bring to Brasília

Reported by: Brazil Journal
Did not cover: Gazeta do Povo

Zema's video is part of a series called 'The Untouchables' and simulates a conversation between Gilmar Mendes and Dias Toffoli

Reported by: Gazeta do Povo
Did not cover: Brazil Journal
3. What we don't know yet

No gaps declared — all sources converge on the material facts.

All sources

2