Overview

• The US Treasury Department accused Judge Alexandre de Moraes of leading an “illegal witch hunt” in the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro and announced sanctions to curb his actions.
• Under the measures, de Moraes is barred from entering the United States and any US-based assets he holds may be frozen.
• Washington is maintaining 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports, including coffee, beef and orange juice, as further leverage.
• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly reaffirmed Brazil’s judicial independence and rejected attempts at foreign intervention.
• Bolsonaro faces charges for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election and inciting the January 1, 2023 storming of Brazil’s key institutions.