U.S. Sanctions Brazilian Justice Amid Bolsonaro Probe
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of human rights violations. The actions were justified under the Global Magnitsky Act as Moraes is implicated in political prosecutions, including against ex-President Jair Bolsonaro. Tensions rise between the U.S. and Brazil.
The United States has levied sanctions against Alexandre de Moraes, a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice, on charges of violating human rights and stifling free speech. Moraes is currently overseeing a case involving former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of coup plotting. This development comes amid President Donald Trump's suggested tariffs on Brazilian imports, linking them to what he terms a 'witch hunt' against an ally.
The decision, taken under the Global Magnitsky Act, enables the U.S. to impose sanctions on foreign officials deemed to have engaged in significant corruption or human rights abuses. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Moraes for leading a campaign marked by censorship and unjust detentions, particularly targeting Bolsonaro, who is facing legal restrictions under Moraes' order.
Brazil has rebuffed the U.S. actions, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemning the visa restrictions on Moraes and his family as unwarranted interference. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro has denied orchestrating any government takeover attempts, though he admits to participating in discussions aimed at contesting the 2022 election results.
Google News