Transparency International faces new attacks in Brazil

Transparency International and its global leadership express profound concern and dismay at the statements made during the plenary session of the Brazilian Supreme Court on 15 October 2025, where Justice Gilmar Mendes, again, launched a virulent attack against our organisation, its Brazilian chapter, and its staff. All claims that Transparency International would receive or manage funds from leniency agreements in Brazil have been categorically and repeatedly refuted—not only by Transparency International in public statements but also officially by Brazilian authorities, including members of the Federal Prosecution Service, the Prosecutor-General and, more recently, the Federal Court of Accounts.

His accusations were delivered without any opportunity for defence, from a position of overwhelming institutional power, and in terms incompatible with judicial decorum —particularly when coming from the dean of the constitutional court of a democratic country.

Since 2019, Justice Mendes has repeatedly made the same defamatory allegations against Transparency International, its Brazilian chapter, and its leadership, promoting disinformation about our work.

It is staggering that this campaign against a civil society organisation emanates from the dean of the very Court that has been also victimised by fake news and presents itself to the world as a champion against disinformation.

If this were not serious enough, Transparency International Brazil remains subjected to a criminal investigation ordered by another Justice of this Court, despite the Prosecutor-General having formally requested its closure—first in October 2024 and again in December 2024—citing the complete absence of evidence, concrete facts, or minimal elements of criminal conduct, as well as the Court’s lack of jurisdiction. To date, the rapporteur has not responded, and the investigation remains open. This situation was recently highlighted in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights’ Third Regional Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Americas, which states:

“The criminalization of human rights defenders can take the shape of criminal charges aimed at directly penalizing their activities, such as those related to the right to freedom of expression. In Brazil, the Commission learned of the opening of an investigation against Transparency International ordered by a Supreme Court justice in February 2024 for alleged misappropriation of public funds, following the publication of its 2023 corruption report, which highlights setbacks in the fight against corruption in the country. According to available information, in October 2024 the Attorney General of the Republic allegedly requested the closing of this investigation due to a lack of supporting evidence, concrete facts and minimal elements indicating the occurrence of a criminal act. However, according to available information, this investigation remains open.”

François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, said:
Transparency International strongly condemns the recent attacks, including those originating from within the judiciary, against Transparency International Brazil. We reaffirm our complete confidence in our Brazilian chapter and express our unwavering support and admiration for its courageous and principled work. The Executive Director, board members, former board members, and the entire team exemplify the integrity, independence, and commitment to the public interest that define our global movement. Attempts to intimidate or discredit those who fight corruption only strengthen our shared resolve to uphold transparency, justice, and accountability in Brazil and around the world.

Transparency International will remain steadfast in its mission to fight corruption and defend civic space. We also reaffirm our confidence in the Brazilian Judiciary, composed in its vast majority of ethical judges committed to democracy and the protection of fundamental freedoms.