The American newspaper New York Times published a report on Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), highlighting the dangers of the “aggressive tactics” used by him against political opponents.
Jack Nicas, the newspaper’s correspondent in Brazil, claims that Moraes has driven investigations and prosecutions, in addition to silencing people on social media that he considers threats to Brazilian institutions.
The correspondent mentions examples of actions taken by Moraes, such as arrests without trial, account blocking and publications on social networks without transparency and without the right to appeal.
In the article, the correspondent states that “in his hunt in the name of justice after the demonstrations this month, Moraes has become more audacious”.
“He is the defender of democracy in Brazil. But is he really good for democracy? Alexandre de Moraes, Minister of the Federal Supreme Court, was crucial to the transition of power in Brazil. But his aggressive tactics are provoking a debate: Is it possible to go too far to fight the far right?”, states Jack Nicas.
“His orders to ban influential voices online have proliferated. His actions fit with a broader trend by the Supreme Court to increase its power,” he said.
He then pointed out that “Moraes’ orders to remove accounts do not specify why, according to a copy of an order obtained by the New York Times.”
“Accesses to banned Twitter accounts lead to a blank page and a scathing message: ‘Account has been held in Brazil in response to a legal requirement.’
Account owners are simply told that they are suspended due to a court order and that they should consider contacting a lawyer,” he said.
With information from Brasil Sem Medo