US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accuses Brazilian Supreme Court judge of creating a ‘persecution, censorship complex’.
Accusing Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes of creating a sweeping “persecution and censorship complex,” Rubio argued this violates Brazilians’ basic rights and targets Americans. He ordered visa revocations for Moraes, his court allies, and their immediate family members.
According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, the US has also revoked visas for seven more Brazilian Supreme Court justices – impacting all except Bolsonaro-appointed justices and one judge, Luiz Fux.
This decision follows the Brazilian Supreme Court issuing search warrants and restraining orders against Bolsonaro, barring him from contacting foreign officials due to allegations of seeking US President Donald Trump’s interference in his court cases.
Moraes charged Bolsonaro with attempting to undermine Brazil’s sovereignty by encouraging a foreign head of state to interfere in its judicial processes.
Bolsonaro, facing trial for allegedly plotting a coup and attempting to overrule President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s election victory, could face a 12-year sentence if convicted. He is now restricted from contacting foreign officials, using social media, or approaching embassies, and was ordered to wear an ankle monitor due to the risk of flight.
Bolsonaro: ‘Trump of the Tropics’
Bolsonaro condemned Moraes as a “dictator,” labeling the court orders as “cowardice.” He expressed humiliation over wearing the ankle monitor, emphasizing his status as a former president.
A five-judge Supreme Court panel reviewed and upheld Moraes’s ruling. Bolsonaro suspects this is a reaction to Trump’s criticism of his trial, indicating potential harm from Washington’s interventions.
While denying plans to flee, Bolsonaro expressed a willingness to meet Trump if his seized passport was returned. The White House acknowledges Bolsonaro and his allies are “under attack from a weaponized court system.
Trump, known for friendly ties with Bolsonaro, lamented the “terrible treatment” of the former president by an “unjust system.” He threatened a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods, prompting Lula to promise reciprocal measures.
Court decision by Moraes also viewed Trump’s tariffs as interference in Brazil’s judicial system, potentially sparking an economic crisis in Brazil and rallying support for Lula’s government.
