The State Department states that the minister "silences the opposition" and threatens democracy.
The U.S. government criticized the decision of Minister Alexandre de Moraes against Jair Bolsonaro. In a statement published on Monday (4), it promised sanctions against all who collaborate with what it classified as "sanctioned conduct."
The statement came from the Office for Western Hemisphere Affairs, the sector responsible for diplomacy with Latin American countries.
The text states that Moraes, recently included in the list of sanctioned individuals under the Magnitsky Act, "continues to use Brazilian institutions to silence the opposition and threaten democracy."
"Judge Moraes, now a sanctioned human rights violator by the U.S., continues to impose restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro's ability to defend himself in public. Let Bolsonaro speak," says the statement.
According to the statement, the United States will "hold accountable all those who assist or encourage" the conduct of the Supreme Court minister.
The decision comes a week after sanctions against Moraes.
Last week, the name of Alexandre de Moraes was added to the list of international sanctions through the Global Magnitsky Act.
The measure, signed by President Donald Trump, blocks assets and accounts in the United States and prevents the magistrate from entering American soil. This was the first time a judge from a Supreme Court of a democratic country was included in this type of sanction.
In addition to Moraes, seven other Supreme Court ministers and the Attorney General of the Republic, Paulo Gonet, also had their visas canceled by the U.S. government.
The decision came after the imposition of precautionary measures against Bolsonaro, including the use of an electronic ankle bracelet and a ban on leaving home on weekends.
The State Department's statement concludes with a promise of diplomatic vigilance:
"The United States condemns Moraes' decision that imposed house arrest on Bolsonaro and will hold accountable all who collaborate with sanctioned conduct."
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