The United States government has taken action against the wife of a Brazilian Supreme Court judge, who was involved in the investigation of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, recently sentenced to 27 years for an attempted coup. The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Viviane Barci de Moraes and revoked the U.S. visa of Solicitor-General Jorge Messias, who had voiced criticism of the decision on social media.
These sanctions were imposed under the Global Magnitsky Act, a mechanism used by the U.S. to address human rights violations. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the husband of Viviane Barci de Moraes, was previously sanctioned under the same act due to his role in overseeing the investigation into Bolsonaro.
The recent measures are the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration targeting Brazil, including sanctions against other officials and trade tariffs on Brazilian exports. Media reports suggest that other Supreme Court justices who have worked with Justice de Moraes have also had their U.S. visas revoked, a claim that has not been personally confirmed. Additionally, a holding company linked to the de Moraes family has also been subjected to Magnitsky Act sanctions.
Justice de Moraes stated that Brazilian institutions are robust and will not be impacted by the actions taken. He characterized the sanctions against his wife as an assault on international law, Brazil’s sovereignty, and the independence of the judiciary. The U.S. State Department justified the sanctions, citing Justice de Moraes’ alleged use of his position to manipulate the courts, impose pre-trial detention, and suppress freedom of expression.
The U.S. government said these sanctions were based on actions to hold Moraes accountable for what they say is an abuse of his powers, including fostering censorship, targeting political opponents, and serious human rights violations.
Bolsonaro was found guilty of organizing a coup following his electoral defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022. He has not yet been incarcerated pending the outcome of his appeal.
Solicitor-General Messias described the U.S. government’s action as unjust, while pledging to continue working with determination. Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha stated that he would not attend the United Nations General Assembly due to restrictions on his U.S. visa, limiting his movement within the country.
The Lula administration protested at the United Nations after Padilha received his visa late, resulting in restricted movement in New York near the U.N. headquarters and his hotel. Health Minister Padilha remained in Brazil and participated in protests against an amnesty bill that could potentially shield Bolsonaro from prison.