In a dramatic and emotional session, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies' Ethics Council has recommended a two-month suspension for three federal deputies. The punishment stems from their occupation of the Chamber's directorate table during a plenary session in August 2025.
The deputies involved are Zé Trovão (PL-SC), Marcos Pollon (PL-MS), and Marcel Van Hattem (Novo-RS). The council's rapporteur, Deputy Moses Rodrigues (União-CE), concluded that their actions went beyond a regular political protest or legitimate expression of dissent, constituting conduct incompatible with parliamentary decorum.
The nine-hour meeting was marked by high emotion. Deputy Zé Trovão broke down in tears, stating, "Today is being the worst day of my life. Not even my arrest was this painful. I would prefer to go back to jail today if it meant keeping these people who need to work." He was referring to his staff, including one employee with a child on the autism spectrum who depends on the salary.
The incident that led to the disciplinary action occurred on August 5, 2025, following a Supreme Court decision regarding former President Jair Bolsonaro. During the protest, Deputy Van Hattem physically prevented Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) from sitting in the presiding chair, effectively halting the session's start.
In their defenses, the accused deputies argued their actions were peaceful and within their rights. Zé Trovão claimed the protest was aimed at pressuring for amnesty for those convicted in connection with the January 8th events, not to incite violence. Marcel Van Hattem argued that sitting in a chair designated for any of the 513 deputies is not illegal, while Marcos Pollon cited parliamentary immunity.
The recommended suspensions are not yet final. The deputies have the right to appeal to the Committee on Constitution and Justice (CCJ). If the appeal is rejected there, the matter will be put to a vote before the full Chamber plenary, which holds the final decision-making power.
Based on reporting from g1.