Moro and the Globo award

It seems evident to us that a judge, just as he cannot receive gifts according to the very codes of ethics that govern the judiciary and the civil service, should also not receive awards from private companies whose economic and political interests clash with those of society.

Imagine if the Workers' Party (PT), for example, were to establish an award for judges and throw a big party every year to present the trophy to their favorite magistrates?

That's what Globo does, being as, or even more, identified with a political spectrum than the PT (Workers' Party).

A judge with even a modicum of common sense and a desire to appear impartial should know this.

Sergio Moro's presence at the Globo party, and his acceptance of the award, is a slap in the face to those who want to believe in impartial justice.

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In the name of decorum, Moro should have rejected the Globo award.

By Paulo Nogueira, in Diary of the Center of the World.

Can you imagine a British judge – Leveson, for example, who led the discussions on media regulation in the UK – at a party hosted by a media mogul like Rupert Murdoch?

The answer can be summed up in three words: no, no, and no.

In a serious and mature society, the media and the judiciary must oversee each other. They cannot pat each other on the back and fraternize like old comrades.

It's obvious that Globo ignores this vital principle of democracy. Embarrassing scenes, in the heat of the Mensalão scandal, brought together Supreme Court justices and iconic Globo journalists.

The fact that Judge Sérgio Moro, from Lava Jato, was unaware of this is a new fact, although not surprising in a country with a partisan justice system like Brazil.

In a less imperfect world, Moro would have refused an award from Globo. Politely, just as a journalist rejects an expensive gift.

But Moro couldn't resist, and the images of him at the awards ceremony are deplorable. Posterity will surely look upon them as a symbol of a time of backwardness in Brazil.

There's no such thing as a free lunch, and no such thing as a free prize. An organization like Globo doesn't reward anyone without ulterior motives.

From a practical standpoint, what can be expected from a legal case involving Globo that ends up in Moro's hands?

Accepting the honor was bad enough. But Moro's words – and the awestruck look betrayed by the photos of the ceremony – made things even worse.

According to Globo's website, Moro said he was "particularly touched" by Sunday's protests.

Given that these were protests in which Dilma was brutally criticized, Moro's statement could not be more revealing.

More than that, he'd have to say he's been banging pots and pans.

Like Joaquim Barbosa before him, Moro has already become a hero not for Brazilians – but for the national right wing.

Just like with Joaquim Barbosa before him, Globo has already set up a trap for him.

Amidst smiles at the awards ceremony, Moro got involved – to the detriment of society.