Has the Brazilian SC Justice Condemned US Embassy's Interference in Court Matters?

Brasilia, Aug 9 (NationPress) Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Flavio Dino has openly condemned the US Embassy for its recent statement indicating that it would "monitor" the activities of a Brazilian judge.

His comments were in response to a declaration from the US Embassy in Brasilia, which cautioned supporters of Justice Alexandre de Moraes—who was sanctioned under the US Magnitsky Act in July—not to back his actions, stating, "We are monitoring the situation closely."

Justice Dino took to Facebook to assert, "According to international law, it is not the role of any foreign embassy to 'warn' or 'monitor' the decisions of a Supreme Federal Court justice or any other Brazilian judiciary."

Justice Moraes was sanctioned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio due to allegations of authority misuse, suppression of free speech, and human rights violations. He is currently overseeing the criminal case against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, charged with attempting to overturn Brazil's 2022 elections.

Dino further emphasized, "Respect for national sovereignty, moderation, common sense, and good manners are crucial in diplomacy. I hope that dialogue and amicable relations between nations that have been long-term partners in trade, culture, and institutions will return. That is in the best interest of everyone involved," he added.

In response, Brazil's Foreign Ministry summoned US Charge d'Affaires Gabriel Escobar to express a formal protest and seek clarification, as reported by Xinhua.

On the following Friday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized foreign meddling in Brazil's internal matters after Trump urged Brazilian authorities to cease the prosecution of Bolsonaro, who is on trial for his alleged coup attempt.

"Protecting Brazil's democracy is a matter for Brazilians alone. We are a sovereign nation; we will not tolerate interference or oversight from anyone. Our institutions are robust and independent. No one stands above the law, particularly those who threaten freedom and the rule of law," Lula stated.

Former President Bolsonaro, who served from 2019 to 2022, is accused of conspiring to maintain power through violent means after his electoral defeat to Lula.

Reports indicate that the US President has accused Brazilian authorities of conducting a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.

In January 2023, Bolsonaro’s supporters launched an assault on federal government buildings, demanding a coup d'état—an unlawful attempt to displace the current leadership. Subsequently, the Superior Electoral Court barred Bolsonaro from running for office until 2030 for undermining the election's legitimacy and for abusing governmental communication channels. This court is the top judicial authority within the Brazilian Electoral Justice system.