U.S. freezes visas for Brazilian judges over actions against Bolsonaro

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington has frozen the entry visa of Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes following his recent legal actions against former President Jair Bolsonaro. De Moraes had issued a judicial order prohibiting Bolsonaro from maintaining contact with foreign diplomats or ambassadors, alleging that he sought interference in his legal troubles from U.S. President Donald Trump.

“This is a political witch hunt,” said Rubio in a statement, adding that the visa suspension will also apply to other allies of de Moraes in the court as well as to their family members. According to reports in Brazil, visas for a total of eight justices from Brazil’s Supreme Court will be revoked.

The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Brazil’s judiciary, amid growing scrutiny of Bolsonaro’s legal challenges and his alleged attempts to solicit international support. De Moraes has led multiple investigations involving Bolsonaro, including inquiries into alleged election interference and attacks on democratic institutions.

The Brazilian government has not yet issued an official response to the American decision.