Inside U.S. Sanctions on Brazilian Judge’s Support Network: What It Means

The United States (U.S), in a statement dated September 22, announced sanctions against a Brazilian Supreme Court judge and his support network after being accused of undermining democratic freedoms.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, his wife, Viviane Barci de Moraes, and their holding company, the Lex Institute, were also subjected to sanctions and visa restrictions.

“Today, the United States is sanctioning enablers of Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, to include Moraes’ wife, Viviane Barci de Moraes, and their holding company, the Lex Institute,” read part of the statement from Marco Rubio, the U.S State Secretary.

What the U.S sanctions mean to the judge and the networks

Announced under Executive Order 13818 and the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the measures cite serious human rights abuses.

Executive Order 13818, which implements the Global Magnitsky sanctions programme, allows the United States to freeze assets and block U.S transactions of foreign individuals or entities linked to serious human rights abuses or significant corruption.

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When a person or organisation is sanctioned under this order, any property or financial interests they hold in the U.S. are blocked. U.S. citizens and companies are generally barred from doing business with them, and they may face travel bans.

In short, it cuts them off from the U.S. financial system and restricts international dealings that rely on U.S. dollars or U.S.-based partners.

Why were the sanctions imposed?

According to the statement, Alexandre de Moraes was placed under designation on 30 July for serious human rights violations.

U.S officials say he exploited his judicial role to manipulate the courts, order arbitrary pre-trial detentions, and restrict freedom of expression.

The latest sanctions extend earlier measures by the Trump administration aimed at holding him responsible for abusing power, creating a “censorship complex,” targeting political opponents, and committing grave rights abuses.

“These sanctions build on a series of actions taken by the Trump Administration to hold Moraes accountable for abusing his authority, creating a censorship complex, blatantly targeting political opponents, and committing serious human rights abuses,” the statement read.

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Additionally, the statement emphasised that anyone who supports or enables figures like Moraes and threatens U.S interests will also face penalties.

All individuals named are sanctioned under Executive Order 13818.

U.S. lawmakers voiced strong support for the sanctions, framing them as a defence of democratic principles in Brazil.

“The United States stands with the freedom-loving people of Brazil and President Jair Bolsonaro against the corrupt, socialist, criminal Lula da Silva regime,” U.S Congressman Carlos Gimenez stated.

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