In Brazil, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has become the most powerful figure in the country’s fight to protect democracy. Known for his bald head, direct speech, and tough style, he once hacked through illegal marijuana fields with a machete. Now, he is at the center of Brazil’s most explosive trial in decades.
The case involves former president Jair Bolsonaro, who lost the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva but is accused of trying to stay in power. Prosecutors say Bolsonaro plotted to overturn the results and even considered plans that involved violence against de Moraes himself. If found guilty, Bolsonaro could spend many years in prison.
The trial has gripped Brazil and caught the attention of the world. Supporters of democracy see de Moraes as a hero who has stepped in to stop chaos. Critics, however, accuse him of holding too much power and going too far. The spotlight on him has made him one of the most talked-about figures in Brazil.
Fierce Battles at Home and Abroad
De Moraes has used his authority to block social media accounts linked to unrest after the election. He has also ordered platforms to remove posts spreading disinformation and punished those who refused to comply. This tough stance has angered many online influencers and even major tech leaders.
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Earlier this year, billionaire Elon Musk clashed with de Moraes publicly. Musk accused the judge of censorship and called him a dictator. Tensions quickly escalated, turning the Brazilian courtroom drama into a global story.
The conflict then spilled over to Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump announced steep tariffs on Brazilian imports and revoked visas for members of Brazil’s Supreme Court, including de Moraes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also placed sanctions on de Moraes personally, accusing him of abusing his power and silencing critics.
In Brazil, these moves fueled anger and sparked a wave of nationalism. President Lula used the moment to declare that Brazil would not bow to outside pressure. That message resonated with many citizens, and polls show that people are more likely to blame Bolsonaro’s supporters for the crisis than the government now in power.
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Threats, Trials, and Unshaken Resolve
The courtroom fight is not just political. Investigators revealed that a group linked to Bolsonaro planned an attack on de Moraes. The plot, known by the code name “Green and Yellow Dagger,” allegedly involved surveillance of his home and even a plan to assassinate him. Authorities say the group called off the plan at the last minute.
Despite the danger, de Moraes has not stepped back. He continues to preside over the trial and has dismissed threats and insults as part of the job. “They can sue, they can shout, even bring in powerful allies,” de Moraes said. “If they send an aircraft carrier, then we will see.”
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Inside Brazil, his actions are seen in two very different ways. Supporters like Representative Tabata Amaral say he is the last line of defense against a return to authoritarian rule. They argue that without his strong measures, democracy in Brazil would be at serious risk.
But critics, including some legal experts, argue that de Moraes has gone too far. They accuse him of concentrating too much power in his own hands and bypassing democratic debate in the legislature. This clash of views has turned him into both a hero and a villain, depending on who is asked.
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo Bolsonaro has been active in the United States, rallying support for harsher measures against Brazil’s Supreme Court. His efforts highlight how the case has grown beyond Brazil’s borders, drawing in foreign leaders and global tech figures.
As the Supreme Court hears the final arguments in the trial, Brazil waits for a verdict that could change its political future. For now, Alexandre de Moraes remains calm, unflinching, and determined to see the case through, no matter how much pressure comes from inside or outside the country.