Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) has asked Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino for the complete lifting of secrecy surrounding court records concerning the financing of the film “Dark Horse,” according to legal documents. Lawyers argued in a filing that a partial disclosure ordered by Justice Dino creates an incomplete picture of the investigation and opens the door to selective interpretations.
Timeline of the Petitions and Partial Disclosure
The legal dispute involves two separate petitions moving through the Supreme Court. According to court filings, Petição 16.070 was opened in May after Justice Dino ordered the removal of requests from deputies Henrique Vieira (Psol-RJ) and Tabata Amaral (PSB-SP) out of ADPF 854, which handles irregularities in parliamentary amendments. Those lawmakers had asked the court to investigate the financing of “Dark Horse,” a biographical film about former President Jair Bolsonaro. The material was kept under separate seal and remained strictly confidential.
A second proceeding, Petição 16.669, was distributed to Justice Dino on September 1. In that docket, an inquiry from the São Paulo State Civil Police was avocated, financial intelligence reports were requested, and the court lifted the seal on material received from a São Paulo state court on September 13, 2026. However, the legal documents note that this unsealing was only partial. A previous request filed on June 26, 2026, regarding the broader file, has not yet been evaluated by the court, leaving those original records under absolute secrecy.
Legal Arguments Over Secrecy and Public Selectivity
The legal team contends that the rationale used to lift secrecy on part of the documents should apply to the remainder. “The logic that lifted a part of the secrecy, therefore, is exactly the same logic that recommends lifting the secrecy of the remaining part,” the documents state. Lawyers argue that maintaining secrecy over the originating petition and parts of Petição 16.669 produces a selective public view of the facts. According to the documents, the defense stated that when a portion of an inquiry stays locked while a fragment goes public, the public receives an incomplete picture filled by conjecture or privileged leaks.
Furthermore, the defense emphasizes that Senator Flávio Bolsonaro is not a target of the specific investigations handled by Justice Dino. The lawyers maintain that the senator committed no crime and was not among the individuals or entities targeted by search and seizure orders in Justice Dino’s docket. Instead, the defense notes that Flávio faces a separate inquiry under Justice André Mendonça, stemming from the “Master” case, which examines potential money laundering, currency flight, and corruption tied to the film’s production.
Did You Know? The film “Dark Horse” focuses on the political trajectory of former President Jair Bolsonaro, prompting parliamentary requests for investigation into its financial backing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dark Horse case about?
The case centers on the financing of the film “Dark Horse,” a biographical movie about former President Jair Bolsonaro. Proceedings examine potential irregularities involving parliamentary amendments and separate allegations of financial crimes.
Who is handling the petitions mentioned in the latest filing?
Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino oversees Petição 16.070 and Petição 16.669. A separate inquiry involving Senator Flávio Bolsonaro is overseen by Justice André Mendonça.
Why is the defense demanding full disclosure?
According to court filings, the defense argues that partial unsealing creates a selective and incomplete view of the investigation. Lawyers want all related files made public since searches have already been executed and parts of the record are already open.
How will the complete unsealing of these records alter public perception of the investigation? unitarity?
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