Who is Macário Ramos?

The name Macário Ramos dominated headlines this week. However, few outlets highlighted his background. He was a judge suspended for 18 years after accusations of selling sentences. During that time, he continued to receive full salary, a privilege that exposes the abuses of Brazil’s judicial system. On the other hand, judges such as Ludmila Lins Grilo, who denounced irregularities, were removed without pay.

The Return in 2023

In 2023, Ramos returned to his position. Thus, past crimes and accusations were simply ignored. Consequently, his reinstatement opened the door to new scandals. Soon after, Federal Police investigations revealed that he allegedly warned allies of the deputy known as TH Joias, linked to the Comando Vermelho, about search and seizure operations. Therefore, his actions directly benefited criminals.

Lula’s Appointment

The most striking detail is that Ramos was formally appointed to the Federal Regional Court (TRF) by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. If Bolsonaro had made the appointment, the press would certainly have emphasized it in headlines. However, since Lula was responsible, the fact is treated as irrelevant. Thus, the official narrative avoids politicization, even though the connection to organized crime is serious.

Institutional Shielding

This case demonstrates how the political and judicial system protects itself. Moreover, it reveals Lula’s strategy of reinstating compromised figures to ensure protection across different courts. Consequently, public trust in institutions erodes further. Meanwhile, scandals involving Lula’s relatives and allies remain untouched by the STF.

Critical Conclusion

The arrest of Macário Ramos is not an isolated episode. In fact, it is a portrait of a judiciary that tolerates corruption and a government that rewards suspicious allies. Therefore, the silence of mainstream media about Lula’s appointment is telling. Consequently, Brazil remains hostage to a political and judicial elite that shields itself while society pays the price.

CTA: Want to understand how political appointments and judicial shielding erode democracy? Explore other articles by Pedro Freitas and keep your critical eye on the Judiciary and the government.

Sources:

• Revista Oeste
• Gazeta do Povo