US Sanctions Stir Political Tensions with Brazil

The United States has sanctioned Viviane Barci de Moraes, the wife of Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. These measures fall under the Global Magnitsky Act, which targets individuals accused of human rights abuses.

The US administration, led by Trump at the time of these events, also revoked the visa of Brazilian Solicitor-General Jorge Messias, further compounding diplomatic strains. Viviane's sanction is part of a wider array of actions against Brazilian authorities, including Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who played a role in investigations against former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Despite these pressures, Justice de Moraes staunchly defended Brazilian institutions, asserting their robustness against foreign interference. Meanwhile, the Brazilian government has formally protested these actions, especially concerning visa restrictions faced by its Health Minister, Alexandre Padilha.

(With inputs from agencies.)