The US Treasury Department announced on Wednesday that it had added Brazilian Federal Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes to its sanctions list.
A press release said the move was in response to de Moraes’ actions, which the US authorities believe constitute abuse of his authority, including authorising illegal pre-trial detentions and restricting freedom of speech.
The US Treasury Department also said that the judge had taken “illegal measures” against both Brazilian and American citizens and companies.
“Today’s measures send a clear message: we will continue to hold accountable those who threaten the interests of the United States and the freedoms of our citizens,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
De Moraes is currently presiding over the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. He is charged with undermining confidence in the electoral system, attempting to legalise a coup d’état through a decree, pressuring the military and inciting unrest in the capital.
In March, Brazilian courts accepted the charges, ruling that Bolsonaro must stand trial. Among the most high-profile episodes are the alleged plot to assassinate Bolsonaro’s successor and the assassination attempt on a Supreme Court judge.
Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed support for Bolsonaro and opposed his prosecution.
