Brazil’s highest judicial authority, the Supreme Court, is examining Elon Musk for his alleged role in fostering online groups aimed at undermining democratic processes.
This inquiry, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a controversial figure himself, focuses on actions during the tenure of former President Jair Bolsonaro, exploring the use of Musk’s social network, X, in these efforts.
Musk’s critique of Moraes, for what he termed a constitutional breach, sparked this investigation. He accused Moraes of unjustly silencing users, pushing for his ouster from the Supreme Court.
Moraes, in response, declared that social media is not beyond the reach of law, mandating adherence to court orders by X and setting a substantial fine for non-compliance.
The probe encompasses Musk’s alleged attempts to impede justice and promote illegal activities, highlighted by his challenge to restore accounts previously suspended by judicial decree.
This scenario draws into focus the January 8, 2023, incident, an alleged coup attempt against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, fueled by Bolsonaro’s adherents.
Amid these tensions, Musk’s portrayal of Moraes as a villain, likening him to “Darth Vader” from Star Wars, underscores the gravity of the situation.
These developments led to official backlash, with the Brazilian government denouncing Musk’s stance as an alleged affront to the nation’s sovereignty.
Survey reveals 47% of Brazilians see judicial Overreach
An AtlasIntel survey released on February 9, 2024, highlights a split in Brazilian opinions on the judiciary’s role.
Nearly 47.3% of respondents label the judiciary’s control as a “judicial dictatorship,” expressing concerns over its wide-reaching influence.
On the other hand, only 20.9% see the judiciary fulfilling its expected role properly.
Furthermore, 16.7% criticize some judges for overstepping their boundaries without labeling it a dictatorship. About 15.2% are still undecided on this matter.
During intense political debate, critics, including former President Jair Bolsonaro, frequently target Supreme Court justices Alexandre de Moraes and Roberto Barroso.
The legal challenges Bolsonaro and his allies face have sparked significant discussions on the judiciary’s power and its equilibrium with other branches of government.