Buzzi's assistants were aware of reports of harassment, says MPF

Documents obtained by CNN in the administrative process investigating alleged episodes of sexual harassment involving minister Marco Buzzi, of the STJ (Superior Court of Justice), indicate that members of his office were aware of the allegations made by a public servant at least since 2023 and began to adopt measures to reduce contact between the two.

The civil servants, heard as witnesses in the process, stated that they had already heard reports from their colleague about episodes of harassment even before the accusations made by the daughter of a couple of friends of the minister were made public.

According to the statements, the server reported that she was the target of sexual comments and behaviors from Buzzi, including inappropriate touching.

Witnesses said that she used to narrate specific episodes to co-workers, sometimes crying, and that she was seen leaving the office emotionally shaken on at least four or five occasions.

Witnesses also reported that the employee chose not to formalize the complaint earlier for fear of being fired and discredited. Therefore, colleagues began to help her avoid situations close to the judge.

In one of the situations narrated in the process, the civil servant refused the possibility of temporarily replacing a plenary assistant and reportedly stated that she preferred to be fired rather than take on duties that required greater physical contact or closer coexistence with the minister.

The statements also describe attempts to change working hours to ensure that the server would not remain alone with Buzzi in the office.

Among the measures adopted by the team were also keeping the door open when she needed to enter the minister's room and assigning other employees to assist him whenever possible.

One of the witnesses also stated that, upon hearing his colleague's reports, he told her that she had been the target of comments considered inappropriate by the minister and instructed her to be firm and make it clear that that type of behavior could not be repeated.

Administrative process
As CNN showed, the MPF (Federal Public Ministry) delivered its final arguments in the administrative process on July 3rd. The body maintains that both complainants provided sufficient evidence to prove the accusations and recommends the punishment of compulsory retirement for the minister.

The opinion presented by the MPF in the administrative process represents one of the last phases of the case. From this statement, the minister's defense has 10 days to present their final arguments, highlighting all the evidence in their favor. After that, the next step is the plenary trial.

The accusations are also the subject of criminal investigation. The investigation is being processed by the STF (Supreme Federal Court) under the report of minister Nunes Marques. As CNN found, the evidence collected during the administrative process at the STJ has already been shared with the minister, however, the case remains at a standstill in the Court.

Other side
In a statement, minister Marco Buzzi's defense lamented the "leak of confidential information in the files", which "exposes personal aspects of the parties involved". According to the lawyers, the conduct adopted since the beginning of the process was respectful, without public disclosure of documents, reports or information regarding the complainants.

Also according to the defense, minister Marco Buzzi "remains confident in clarifying the accusations, with the collection of evidence that reinforces the untruth of the accusations" and "is working on his final arguments, which will be presented within the deadline".

Marco Buzzi: MPF calls for compulsory retirement of minister due to sexual harassment | CNN 360°

Source: CNN