The sanctions represent necessary accountability for judicial tyranny that threatens democratic principles. Moraes has weaponized Brazil's courts to conduct a political witch hunt against Bolsonaro and conservative voices, using arbitrary detentions and censorship to silence opposition. These measures protect American interests against foreign actors who abuse their authority to undermine electoral integrity and free speech.
The selective application of Magnitsky sanctions reveals political instrumentalization rather than principled human rights enforcement. While the Trump administration partners with leaders like El Salvador's Bukele despite systematic human rights violations, it targets a Brazilian judge who stands in the way of Trump's political allies. This double standard undermines the credibility of the global sanctions regime and violates principles of national sovereignty.
There's a 5.6% chance that Alexandre de Moraes will cease to be a Brazilian Supreme Court justice before 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
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