NewKerala.com

Key Points

Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has boldly defended the nation's constitutional judicial independence after being sanctioned by the United States. The judge was targeted under the Magnitsky Act for his role in prosecuting former President Bolsonaro for alleged election interference. Moraes emphasized that Brazil's 1988 Constitution guarantees complete autonomy for judicial proceedings without external influence. The diplomatic tension highlights ongoing conflicts between Brazil's judicial system and international diplomatic pressures.

Key Points: Moraes Defends Brazil Judiciary Against US Sanctions

  • Supreme Court judge criticizes US embassy interference
  • Brazil defends judicial independence against external pressures
  • Moraes sanctioned for Bolsonaro election interference trial
  • US Magnitsky Act targets Brazilian judicial official
2 min read

Judge sanctioned by US hails Brazil's constitution for guaranteeing independent judiciary

Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes champions constitutional independence amid US Magnitsky Act sanctions over Bolsonaro trial

"Since 1988, the Constitution has granted independence and autonomy to the judiciary - Alexandre de Moraes"

Sao Paulo, Aug 12

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court judge Alexandre de Moraes, who the United States sanctioned for putting former President Jair Bolsonaro on trial, praised Brazil's constitution on Monday for guaranteeing a strong and independent judiciary by repelling external and internal pressures.

"Since 1988, the Constitution has granted independence and autonomy to the judiciary -- financial, administrative and operational autonomy -- and its members full independence to judge in accordance with the Constitution and the law, without domestic, foreign, or any other type of pressure," he said in a speech in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo.

Moraes noted that an individual cannot invalidate decisions made by the Supreme Federal Court, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Moraes' remarks came amid escalating criticism from Washington in retaliation for his role in the ongoing trial of Bolsonaro.

The US government placed Moraes on its list of individuals subject to financial and other sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, a law used to punish foreigners accused by Washington of human rights violations or corruption.

Last week, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Flavio Dino criticised the US Embassy here for saying it would "monitor" the work of a judge.

His remarks referred to a statement of the US Embassy in Brasilia warning allies of Justice Alexandre de Moraes -- sanctioned under the US Magnitsky Act in July -- against supporting his actions, adding, "We are monitoring the situation closely."

"I recall that, under international law, it is not among the duties of any foreign embassy to 'warn' or 'monitor' what a justice of the Supreme Federal Court, or any other Brazilian court, should do," Dino wrote on Facebook.

Moraes was sanctioned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for alleged abuse of authority, suppressing free speech, and human rights abuses. The justice is overseeing the criminal case of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been charged with scheming to overthrow Brazil's 2022 elections.

"Respect for national sovereignty, moderation, common sense, and good manners are essential in diplomacy. I hope dialogue and friendly relations between nations that have long been partners in trade, culture, and institutions will prevail again. That is best for all," he added, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Brazil's Foreign Ministry summoned US Charge d'Affaires Gabriel Escobar to lodge a formal protest and requested an explanation.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As an Indian lawyer, I appreciate Brazil standing up for judicial independence. But I wonder - is this judge completely clean? US sanctions don't come without reason. Need more transparency in such cases.
A
Aditya G
Hypocrisy of US knows no bounds! They sanction others for "human rights" but turn blind eye to their own violations. Brazil is right to protest this interference in their judiciary. India must take note 👏
S
Sarah B
Interesting parallels to India's situation. Our Supreme Court has shown great independence too - remember NJAC verdict? But we must ensure judges don't become too powerful without accountability. Balance is key.
K
Karthik V
US thinks it's world police! Good that Brazil is standing firm. Our Modi government also doesn't bow to foreign pressure. Developing nations must unite against such bullying tactics.
N
Nisha Z
While I agree with judicial independence, we must be careful not to support authoritarian tendencies. If judge really suppressed free speech as alleged, that's concerning. Democracy needs both strong institutions AND civil liberties.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50