SAO PAULO โ Brazilโs Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes declared on Friday that the nationโs highest court will not succumb to international sanctions or pressure regarding the upcoming trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, anticipated to occur later this year. Although De Moraes refrained from naming countries or specific leaders, his comments come amid rising tensions between the United States and Brazil.
Earlier this week, the U.S. took action by implementing sanctions against De Moraes, attributing it to alleged stifling of freedom of expression. Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump enacted an executive order imposing hefty tariffs on Brazilian imports, highlighting increased friction between the two nations.
The rationale provided by the United States, for these measures, was centered on what they termed as โpolitical persecutionโ of Bolsonaro. The ex-president is under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to cling to power after his electoral defeat in 2022 by Luiz Inรกcio Lula da Silva. The current trial phase is reputedly nearing its conclusion, with De Moraes indicating a resolution could be expected by the yearโs end.
โThe Supreme Courtโs timeline will remain unchanged,โ stated De Moraes assertively. โWe will proceed without regard to sanctions.โ His stance received reinforcement from Supreme Court President Luรญs Roberto Barroso and fellow Justice Gilmar Mendes.
In light of recent developments, De Moraes underscored the autonomy of Brazilโs judicial system, insisting, โOur Supreme Court is steadfast in defending our national sovereignty, committed to democracy, judicial independence, and upholding Brazilโs constitutional values.โ
Meanwhile, as the justices convened in Brasรญlia, demonstrators took to the streets outside the U.S. consulate in Sรฃo Paulo. Brandishing signs in support of Brazilโs sovereignty, these protestors demanded that Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refrain from interfering in both Brazil and Palestine. The demonstration, spearheaded by unions and social movements, concluded with the symbolic burning of effigies representing Trump and Bolsonaro.