As the trade dispute between Washington and Brasília deepens, the Donald Trump administration may be considering reimposing human rights sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The United States recently imposed a 25 percent tariff on numerous Brazilian products. Washington had previously imposed a 50 percent tariff to pressure the Brazilian government to have the case against former President Jair Bolsonaro dismissed.
Criticism directed at Moraes
U.S. officials accuse Moraes of displaying a "persistent pattern of abuse" concerning press freedom and individual rights. Claims that the judge conducted a repressive campaign involving censorship and authorized arbitrary detention orders have also been raised.
One of the main points of tension was Moraes' decision to authorize police raids targeting a journalist and the journalist's sources. U.S. officials view the move as undermining freedom of expression rights.
Some critics within the Trump administration describe Moraes as an "enemy" who specifically targeted Donald Trump supporters and conservative activists in Brazil.
Sanctions history and new consideration
Washington imposed sanctions on Moraes last year under the Global Magnitsky Act but later lifted the measure. U.S. officials argue that the concerns underlying the sanctions have not been resolved.
Moraes had presided over the case against Bolsonaro. The White House and the U.S. Department of State did not comment on the matter, while Brazil's Supreme Court issued no statement.