STF Trial in Brazil: a milestone in the fight against corruption and for justice.

This week, Brazil finds itself at a crucial moment in its judicial history, as the Supreme Federal Court (STF) begins the trial of the internal grievance presented by the Attorney General's Office (PGR) concerning the decision made by Minister Dias Toffoli. This decision, which has generated significant debate, annulled all acts carried out by the 13th Federal Court of Curitiba in the case of Marcelo Odebrecht, following the acknowledgment of collusion between the prosecutors of the case and former judge Sergio Moro. This fact not only transcends the boundaries of an individual case but also raises questions about the integrity of the Brazilian judicial system. The PGR bases its appeal on Article 580 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CPP), arguing that the necessary requirements to extend the effects of the previously made decision have not been met. However, this argument will not be sufficient to dismiss the seriousness of the acknowledged collusion, which has not only affected Odebrecht but has also been a distinctive feature of the so-called "Operation Lava Jato." The collective memory of "Operation Lava Jato" is essential to understand current events. Since its inception, this operation has been marked by questionable practices, where the separation of the allegations seemed more an attempt to avoid the complexity of a unified process than an effective judicial strategy. Instead of presenting a single case that encompassed the vast network of corruption, the Federal Public Ministry chose to divide the allegations, leading to confusion and a lack of coherence in the handling of cases. Former judge Moro, a central figure in the operation, has faced increasing criticism for his conduct. Although his work was initially hailed as a pillar in the fight against corruption, it has been tarnished by revelations indicating inappropriate collaboration with prosecutors. The mass hearings and whistleblowers have been part of a strategy that, while effective in terms of publicity and media attention, has raised serious doubts about the ethics and legality of the procedures followed. It is important to emphasize that the unity of the processes related to "Operation Lava Jato" is not an abstract concept but has had very real consequences in the lives of thousands of people. The acknowledgment of the existence of a "large criminal organization" has led to a massive criminalization of politics and the economy in Brazil, affecting public perception of justice and democracy. The Regional Federal Court of the 4th Region (TRF-4) has also recognized the connection between different processes, as evidenced in a recent trial that questioned the impartiality of Judge Eduardo Appio. The assertion that suspicion extends to all processes of the operation is a clear signal that the identity of "Lava Jato" transcends individual cases, becoming an indelible stain on the country's judicial system. The collision between the prosecution and former judge Moro is not a minor detail but a crucial factor that raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the judicial system. The revelation of messages evidencing this complicity has further underscored the need to preserve the integrity of institutions. The perception of a biased judicial system can have long-term repercussions on the trust that citizens place in their institutions. In this context, historical memory becomes indispensable. The words of Jorge Luis Borges resonate strongly: "We are largely made of our memory. That memory is largely made of forgetfulness." The history of "Operation Lava Jato" should not be forgotten, nor should the lessons that this experience offers us. Ignoring the infamous acts that have occurred in the 13th Federal Court of Curitiba could lead us to repeat the same mistakes in the future. The trial that begins this week represents an opportunity not only to reflect on what has happened thus far but also to establish a path toward the recovery of justice and trust in institutions. The resolution of this internal grievance could set an important precedent for the future of the fight against corruption in Brazil. Brazilian society watches closely, hoping that justice will prevail and that the past does not become a shadow that condemns us to repeat the mistakes of yesterday.