Tensions between the United States and Brazil escalated on Friday after Washington revoked entry visas for Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his immediate family.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, which also targets De Moraes’ ‘allies on the court,’ citing a so-called ‘political witch hunt’ against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
This decision follows President Donald Trump’s recent threats of tariffs against Brazil, which are partly linked to the trial surrounding Bolsonaro.
In a post on social media platform X, Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration is committed to holding accountable foreign nationals who he believes infringe upon freedom of expression in the United States.
He characterized De Moraes’ actions against Bolsonaro as not only violating the rights of Brazilians but also extending beyond Brazil, affecting Americans as well.
These sentiments emerged shortly after Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court mandated that Bolsonaro wear an ankle monitor and prohibited him from using any social media platforms.
The former president responded by calling the court’s decision ‘maximum humiliation’ and claimed that it does not substantiate any allegations of his involvement in a coup.
He labeled the ongoing legal proceedings against him as exaggerated ‘persecution’ and denied the existence of any coup plans.
Bolsonaro is currently facing accusations of attempting to incite a coup against President Lula, who narrowly defeated him in the 2022 elections.
This trial takes place against the backdrop of a January 2023 incident where Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazil’s Congress, presidential palace, and Supreme Court shortly after Lula assumed office.
The rift began earlier this year when President Trump sent a letter to Lula on July 9, threatening a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, which he planned to execute starting August 1.
In his correspondence, Trump expressed deep respect for Bolsonaro and described the treatment of the former president as an ‘international disgrace.’
Trump’s assertion that the ongoing trial against Bolsonaro is a ‘Witch Hunt’ that should cease immediately added fuel to the fire of diplomatic tensions.
Earlier in September, Brazil’s Supreme Court upheld a ban on the social media platform X after it failed to appoint a legal representative within the country, amid accusations of not adequately addressing hate speech and misinformation connected to elections.
The court eventually lifted this ban after six weeks.
Challenging Trump’s strong stance, Lula responded in a social media post, asserting that Brazil is a sovereign nation with independent institutions and will not tolerate any form of external interference.
He reiterated that the proceedings against Bolsonaro, as well as disputes with social media platforms, are matters solely within the jurisdiction of Brazil’s judiciary.
The ongoing tensions illustrate the complex relationship between the U.S. and Brazil, particularly concerning political freedom, judicial independence, and international diplomacy.
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