Brazil Condemns US Sanctions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes Over Bolsonaro Trial

Brazil has strongly criticised the United States after the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of human rights abuses and suppressing free expression during the ongoing prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a sharp statement on Wednesday, denouncing the sanctions as “interference in the Brazilian justice system.” 

Image Source: Hadi Hasan

Without directly naming Bolsonaro, Lula said, “The Brazilian government stands in solidarity with (de Moraes), who is the target of sanctions motivated by the actions of Brazilian politicians who betray our country and our people in defence of their own interests.”

The US Treasury invoked the Global Magnitsky Act, a law permitting sanctions against foreign officials accused of corruption or human rights violations. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused de Moraes of leading a “witch-hunt,” alleging that the judge had used his authority to censor dissent, detain political opponents, and prosecute figures, including Bolsonaro, in a politically motivated manner.

“De Moraes is responsible for an oppressive campaign of censorship, arbitrary detentions that violate human rights, and politicised prosecutions -- including against former President Jair Bolsonaro,” Bessent said. 

He also claimed that de Moraes had targeted journalists, media platforms, and international firms operating in Brazil.

The sanctions freeze any assets de Moraes may hold in the United States and prohibit Americans from doing business with him.

Justice de Moraes is overseeing a critical case involving Bolsonaro, who stands accused of trying to overturn the 2022 presidential election results to stay in power. 

The case includes charges of conspiracy to commit a coup, abuse of office, and dissemination of electoral misinformation.

The latest development adds further strain to Brazil-US relations, already tested by the divergent approaches of the Lula and Trump camps. 

Lula’s administration, which won global praise for stabilising Brazil’s democracy, has warned that attempts to externally pressure its judiciary would “not be tolerated.”

Legal scholars and political analysts in Brazil have defended de Moraes, describing him as central to the country’s post-Bolsonaro democratic recovery. 

However, Bolsonaro’s supporters -- including his son and political allies -- have condemned the judiciary, calling its investigations a “witch-hunt” aimed at silencing the former president.

The US government’s move has sparked mixed reactions internationally. Human rights groups say Washington’s framing could embolden populist leaders facing prosecution worldwide, while diplomatic experts worry the sanctions may set a precedent for intervening in the domestic judicial matters of allies.

For now, Lula’s coalition remains united behind de Moraes. 

But with a rising tide of right-wing populism globally, Brazil’s judicial independence may continue to face foreign pressure -- even from longstanding democratic partners.