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Jun 23, 2026 Major2
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TSE Orders Removal of Deputy's Video Linking PT to Criminal Factions; Sóstenes Contests Decision
Brazil's TSE vice-president André Mendonça ordered the removal of a video by deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante alleging PT connections to criminal factions, citing lack of factual basis. Sóstenes complied but subsequently contacted the U.S. Embassy, claiming only the American government could verify the alleged suspicions he referenced.
Quick Facts
Who
Sóstenes Cavalcante
What
Video published alleging PT connections to organized crime
When
June 19, 2026 - Mendonça's initial decision
Where
Brazil
- Video published alleging PT connections to organized crime
- TSE ordered removal of video within 24 hours
- Sóstenes complied with removal order
- Deputy submitted official letter to U.S. Embassy
- Requested public meeting with U.S. representative in Brazil
Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) ordered the removal of a video published by federal deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ), the PL's leader in the Chamber of Deputies, that alleged connections between the Workers' Party (PT) and organized crime groups including the Red Command (Comando Vermelho) and the First Command of the Capital (PCC). The decision, issued by TSE vice-president André Mendonça on June 19, determined that the content lacked factual basis and required removal within 24 hours.
In his video, Sóstenes claimed there were "great suspicions in the United States" that criminal organizations were financing PT electoral campaigns. However, Mendonça's ruling emphasized that freedom of expression does not protect accusations of serious illegal acts without evidentiary support. The decision specifically noted that while criticism of a party's public security policies constitutes legitimate political opinion, attributing criminal financing to a party requires verifiable facts, which Sóstenes's video did not provide.
Sóstenes stated he complied with the removal order within the 24-hour deadline but announced on Tuesday, June 23, that he had submitted an official letter to the U.S. Embassy, requesting a public meeting with the American representative in Brazil. The deputy argued that only the U.S. government could clarify the alleged suspicions he referenced, characterizing his statements as reports of foreign suspicions rather than direct accusations.
Mendonça's decision also characterized the content as early electoral propaganda, noting that the video positioned Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), a pre-candidate for the presidency, as a leader committed to combating these same criminal organizations. The court highlighted that social media content circulates rapidly and is difficult to reverse once published, amplifying its potential harm. Mendonça also prohibited republication, promotion, or dissemination of identical or equivalent content.
The decision responded to a representation filed by the Brazil of Hope Federation, comprised of the PT, Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), and Green Party (PV). The case will now be submitted to the full TSE plenary. In related decisions on June 19, Mendonça also ordered removal of social media posts by deputies Lindbergh Farias (PT-RJ), Rogério Correia (PT-MG), and André Janones (Rede-MG) that associated Senator Flávio Bolsonaro with criminal organizations and militias.
Why This Matters
This decision reflects the tension between electoral regulation and political speech in Brazil's polarized environment. The TSE's ruling establishes that accusations of criminal financing require verifiable evidence, not speculation, setting a precedent for fact-based political discourse. The deputy's subsequent appeal to the U.S. Embassy signals a broader internationalization of Brazilian political disputes and raises questions about the proper boundary between domestic electoral oversight and foreign government involvement in Brazilian political controversy.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 19, 2026
WireAndré Mendonça issues decision ordering removal of Sóstenes's video within 24 hours; also orders removal of similar posts by other deputies
Jun 21, 2026
WireO GLOBO publishes detailed account of Mendonça's decision
Jun 23, 2026
WireSóstenes announces compliance with removal order and submission of official letter to U.S. Embassy requesting public meeting