Rubio Imposes Visa Restrictions on Brazilian Judge Amid Political Tensions Over Bolsonaro Case
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has imposed visa restrictions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his associates, calling the recent judicial actions against former President Jair Bolsonaro a ‘political witch hunt.’ The move follows Moraes issuing search warrants and restraining orders against Bolsonaro, accusing him of attempting to overturn the 2022 election.
Bolsonaro’s supporters, including his son Eduardo, are also under investigation, with the former president claiming the court’s decisions are driven by U.S. political influence, particularly from former President Donald Trump. The Brazilian Supreme Court’s Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued orders restricting Bolsonaro’s contact with foreign officials, social media use, and embassies, citing a ‘concrete possibility’ of him fleeing the country.
These measures, part of a broader court effort, reportedly stem from allegations that Bolsonaro sought U.S. President Donald Trump’s interference in Brazil’s judicial process. Trump has publicly criticized the court’s handling of the case, prompting his administration to threaten a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods if the case continues.
Bolsonaro, who denies any intent to destabilize Brazil, has called Moraes a ‘dictator’ and described the court’s actions as acts of ‘cowardice.’ He emphasized his innocence and expressed frustration over the ankle monitor and passport seizure. Meanwhile, the Brazilian government maintains that the legal proceedings are necessary to uphold judicial independence and sovereignty, with Moraes defending the case as a countermeasure against what he sees as an external threat to Brazil’s legal system.
The former Brazilian president told Reuters he had been talking to his son almost daily and denied any concerted U.S. lobbying effort on his behalf. He said he expected his son to seek U.S. citizenship to avoid returning to Brazil. A five-judge panel of Brazilian Supreme Court judges upheld Moraes’ decision.
Reuters contributed to this report.