The United States has lifted sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who was previously targeted for his role in prosecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro. The U.S. Treasury Department’s decision marks a significant shift in relations between the two nations, particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump, who has shown increasing warmth toward Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The sanctions against Moraes were implemented under the Global Magnitsky Act in July, following the trial that resulted in Bolsonaro’s conviction and imprisonment for his actions during the 2022 election. Trump had characterized the legal proceedings as a “witch hunt,” claiming that Moraes misused the judicial system to stifle free speech and enact arbitrary detentions.
In addition to lifting sanctions on Moraes, the Treasury also revoked measures against his wife, Viviane Barci, and the financial entity Lex Institute, which is controlled by Barci and her family. This decision follows months during which tensions flared between Brasilia and Washington, especially as Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Brazilian imports. However, these tariffs began to be rolled back last month, suggesting a thaw in relations.
The timing of the sanctions relief coincides with a key legislative move in Brazil, where lawmakers recently voted to significantly reduce the sentences of Bolsonaro and others convicted of anti-democratic actions. This bill, now moving to Brazil’s Senate, is anticipated to face challenges from both Lula and the Supreme Court. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau acknowledged the passage as a positive step and reiterated concerns over the misuse of the legal system for political purposes in Brazil.
A senior official from the Trump administration remarked that the decision to lift sanctions aligns with U.S. foreign policy interests and reflects progress in the political climate in Brazil. The official noted that the approval of the amnesty bill represents an improvement in conditions relating to judicial excesses in Brazil.
In a recent phone call between Trump and Lula, the topic of sanctions was a point of discussion. Lula has indicated that the termination of sanctions was part of their dialogue, with Brazil asserting that it did not make any concessions in return. This sentiment was echoed by Brazilian institutional relations minister Gleisi Hoffmann, who celebrated the sanctions’ removal as a victory for Brazil.
Despite the praise from Brazilian officials, Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of Jair Bolsonaro and a critic of Lula’s administration, expressed disappointment over the lifting of sanctions. He acknowledged Trump’s continued support during the unrest surrounding Brazil’s judiciary, highlighting ongoing divides within Brazilian politics.
This development reflects a potential shift toward cooperation between the U.S. and Brazil, as leaders seek to pave a new path in their bilateral relations.
Leave a comment