Brazil is going through its darkest moments. The decision by the authoritarian Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes to impose house arrest on former President Jair Bolsonaro sparked a strong reaction in Washington. Through its Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the United States Department of State described the measure as a "direct threat to democracy" and denounced the systematic silencing of the opposition by the Supreme Federal Court (STF).
Estados Unidos respaldó a Bolsonaro y condena al juez Moraes por abuso de poder
Judicial persecution with Lula's approval
Since the return of dictator Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to power, a judicial and media campaign against Bolsonaro has intensified, aimed at neutralizing the main figure of the Brazilian right. The restrictions imposed by the STF—which include prohibiting him from expressing himself on social media or participating in public events—violate basic constitutional guarantees and have raised concerns among international organizations.
Bolsonaro's recent participation by video call in a peaceful demonstration was used as an excuse to deepen his isolation, confirming that the government's objective is not justice, but his political proscription.
Estados Unidos respaldó a Bolsonaro y condena al juez Moraes por abuso de poder
Trump confronted judicial authoritarianism
U.S. support is not isolated. From the circle of former President Donald Trump, who keeps a close relationship with the Brazilian leader, new sanctions are anticipated against Brazilian judicial officials involved in this anti-democratic offensive. Trump had already ordered the freezing of Moraes's assets on U.S. soil, a measure that caused panic in Lula's circle.
The message is clear: there will be no impunity for those who undermine freedom of expression and essential rights in Latin America.
The Brazilian Congress stands up to abuses
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the former president, vigorously called for the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Alexandre de Moraes. "He is not fit to remain in office," he stated, and denounced the use of the Judiciary as a tool for political persecution. Eduardo Bolsonaro, current federal deputy, also denounced the STF's "raw abuse of power" and demanded the immediate restoration of his father's political rights.
Estados Unidos respaldó a Bolsonaro y condena al juez Moraes por abuso de poder
Despite the judicial siege, thousands of Brazilians took to the streets to demand amnesty for those detained in the January 2023 protests and to call for an end to the persecution. At these events, messages from Bolsonaro were read, calling for unity and resistance in the face of authoritarian advances.
A regional threat to democracy
The Bolsonaro case sets a dangerous precedent for the entire region. The judicialization of politics, the use of the criminal system as a tool of censorship, and the criminalization of the opposition are practices reminiscent of the worst moments of Latin American authoritarianism. Support from the U.S. government, under the leadership of Trump and his allies, is currently one of the main barriers to this autocratic drift.
Estados Unidos respaldó a Bolsonaro y condena al juez Moraes por abuso de poder
International pressure on Brazil will continue to increase as long as violations of essential rights persist. If the Brazilian Judiciary intends to imprison the leading opposition candidate in the polls, it will not only destroy its credibility but also global confidence in its institutions.
