Judge Suspended for Drinking Wine and Smoking in Online Hearing Keeps Salary

A judge in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been suspended from his duties after he was observed drinking wine and smoking during a virtual court hearing, according to local reports.

The incident took place during an online judicial session, a format increasingly used by Brazilian courts to hear cases remotely.

Following the episode, court officials decided to remove the judge from his role temporarily while the matter is examined further.

Despite the suspension, the judge will continue to receive his full monthly salary of R$83,500 net, according to the report.

The decision not to withhold his pay has attracted attention, as it highlights how disciplinary proceedings against judges in Brazil can differ from those affecting other public employees.

Local authorities in Minas Gerais have not disclosed additional details about the specific measures being taken against the judge beyond the suspension itself.

The case has reignited public debate over accountability within Brazil's judiciary, particularly regarding how misconduct during official duties is addressed.

Some commentators have questioned whether financial penalties should accompany suspensions in cases involving inappropriate conduct by judges.

It remains unclear how long the suspension will last or whether the judge will face any further consequences once the review is complete.

The Justice of Minas Gerais has not yet issued a full statement outlining the next steps in the process.

The episode has drawn significant public interest, partly due to the high salary involved and the unusual nature of the behavior during an official virtual proceeding.

As of now, no additional information has been released about whether the judge will return to his position or face permanent removal.