US Lifts Sanctions on Brazilian Judge Who Convicted Bolsonaro

The United States Treasury Department has officially lifted Global Magnitsky sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and his wife, Viviane Barci de Moraes, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the two nations following months of tension over judicial proceedings in Brazil.

Background of the Sanctions

Justice de Moraes was placed under Global Magnitsky sanctions in July 2024, a designation typically reserved for individuals accused of serious human rights violations or corruption. His wife was subsequently added to the sanctions list in September. The timing coincided with de Moraes' high-profile role in overseeing legal proceedings that ultimately led to the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The Global Magnitsky Act allows the US to target individuals worldwide for human rights abuses and corruption by freezing their assets and prohibiting American citizens and companies from doing business with them. The application of these sanctions to a sitting Supreme Court justice of a major democratic ally was unprecedented and raised significant diplomatic concerns.

Judicial Proceedings Against Bolsonaro

Justice de Moraes emerged as a central figure in Brazil's judicial system during the tumultuous final years of Bolsonaro's presidency and its aftermath. He presided over several high-stakes cases involving the former president, including investigations into alleged attacks on democratic institutions and the spread of misinformation. These proceedings culminated in Bolsonaro's conviction and subsequent ban from holding public office until 2030.

The judge's assertive approach to protecting democratic institutions earned him both praise from rule-of-law advocates and criticism from Bolsonaro supporters who accused him of judicial overreach. His decisions to investigate and restrict social media platforms, particularly during the contentious 2022 election period, drew international attention and controversy.

Diplomatic Implications

The lifting of sanctions represents a crucial development in US-Brazil relations, which had become strained under the weight of these unprecedented measures against a Brazilian Supreme Court justice. The move suggests a recognition by the Biden administration that the sanctions may have been counterproductive to broader diplomatic objectives in Latin America.

Brazil, as South America's largest economy and a key regional power, plays a vital role in US strategic interests across multiple fronts, from climate change cooperation to trade relations and regional security. The sanctions had created an awkward diplomatic situation where the US was penalizing a judge from a democratic ally for actions taken within Brazil's sovereign judicial system.

Regional Context and Future Outlook

This development comes at a time when democratic institutions across Latin America face various pressures, making the US approach to supporting judicial independence particularly scrutinized. The reversal may signal a more nuanced approach to engaging with complex democratic processes in allied nations, even when those processes involve controversial figures or decisions.

The timing of the sanctions removal also coincides with Brazil's continued efforts to position itself as a leader in regional affairs and global climate initiatives. With President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration working to rebuild Brazil's international standing after the Bolsonaro era, the lifting of sanctions removes a significant irritant in bilateral relations.