Mensalão Scandal: A Panel on Brasilian Corruption

           

   On October 4, 2013 a panel was held at the Woodrow Wilson International Center of Scholars. The panel discussed the Mensalão trial in Brasil. On the panel: Oscar Vihena, Peter Messitte, Marcelo Costenaro Cavali and Mathew Taylor. The trial is the largest on political corruption in Brasil's history. As this case involves 25 high profile public officials in Brasil's parliament. The case itself has lasted for nearly nine to ten years, and is not close to a definitive conclusion. While everyone involved has been convicted; 12 of the convicted are having their  cases reviewed. Creating controversy and scrutiny of Brasil's legal system.

          Oscar Vihena was the first speaker on the panel. While he was speaking he made a few points regarding the nature of this case. Brasil's Supreme Court takes criminal cases involving high profile and ranking officials in Brasil. The Supreme court makes public decisions since 1994, which are usually televised for the public to follow. Peter Messitte emphasizes the difference between the judicial system in Brasil in relation to the United States. He compares the two Supreme courts where in the US  the Supreme court does not make public decisions and does not have jurisdiction over criminal cases therefore do not have trials regarding criminal cases. Marcelo Costenaro Cavali mentioned that the result of the case does not matter much due to corruption within the criminal justice system itself. Mathew Taylor from there explains how the Mensalão trial is the exception to the rule in Brasil. Mentioning the fact that in the last 10 years of the case less than 6 percent of the accused have been convicted. Brasil still faces Issues of transparency and accountability. Also due to the statute of limitation laws  often many cases regarding corruption have not been addressed. The question of media's role on the case,  was discussed, but there was not enough time to dissect the issue.

                With all of this information where does this leave Brasil's populace? Keeping in mind with our overarching question this case in Brasil became high profile due to the increase of media use. Noticing that throughout the panel there was controversy surrounding the televising of high profile cases in the criminal justice system. Media itself can play a role in these cases. In the Mensalão corruption scandal media's role in informing the public in Brasil has created a space in civil society where citizens are now aware of the actions of their elected officials. Corruption is not new to Brasilian politics and so understanding the media's role as a catalyst for the public to speak out against it is crucial. It is crucial for Brasil's continued economic growth and future policy reform. This can be seen today with anti-corruption protests; the public is actively becoming more involved and vocal about policy reform in Brasil.