U.S. Freezes Assets of Brazilian Justice Over Bolsonaro Case

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The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes, a justice on Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF – Supremo Tribunal Federal), for alleged human rights abuses linked to the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The decision reflects Washington’s concern over perceived political interference in Brazil’s legal system.

Justice de Moraes is at the center of Bolsonaro’s case, in which the former president is accused of attempting to cling to power after his 2022 election defeat. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused de Moraes of carrying out politically motivated prosecutions, censorship, and arbitrary detentions. As part of the sanctions, any property or financial assets tied to de Moraes within U.S. territory are to be frozen.

These sanctions come just weeks after the State Department issued visa bans on several Brazilian judicial officials, including de Moraes. The U.S. stance signals an increasing discomfort with what many see as judicial overreach and a threat to free political expression in Brazil.

Bolsonaro’s supporters insist the case against him is driven by political motives, aiming to neutralize opposition voices. Many have pointed to de Moraes’s handling of the case as evidence of a biased and heavy-handed approach.

On July 9, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, calling the Bolsonaro case a “witch hunt.” The tariff, effective this Friday, further intensifies the pressure on Brazil’s government and judiciary from its key trading partner.

So far, Brazil’s top court and presidential office have issued no official statements in response to the U.S. measures. However, growing international scrutiny could influence both public perception and legal outcomes.

Whether this mounting pressure will impact the trial or Brazil’s political stability remains to be seen.