U.S. removes sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes

U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes

In a significant diplomatic move, the U.S. Treasury Department"s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has officially removed Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes from its sanctions list. This decision, announced on December 12, 2025, comes under the provisions of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions on foreign individuals for human rights abuses.

Key Details

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a prominent figure in Brazil"s judiciary, was initially sanctioned in July 2025. The sanctions were imposed due to allegations of serious human rights violations attributed to his judicial conduct. Specific accusations included arbitrary detentions, suppression of free expression, and politicized prosecutions, particularly in connection with the legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, which underpinned the sanctions against de Moraes, was enacted to combat human rights abuses and corruption worldwide. It allows the U.S. government to freeze assets and ban entry into the United States for individuals involved in such activities. The removal of de Moraes from this sanctions list indicates a shift in the U.S. stance regarding his actions and the broader political climate in Brazil.

Background

Justice Alexandre de Moraes has been a controversial figure in Brazilian politics, particularly due to his role in high-profile cases involving political figures. His involvement in the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil"s president from 2019 until his electoral defeat in 2022, has drawn significant attention and criticism. Bolsonaro"s supporters have accused de Moraes of overreach and bias, claiming that his judicial actions are politically motivated.

The sanctions imposed on de Moraes were part of a broader international response to concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and human rights in Brazil. The U.S. government"s decision to lift these sanctions may reflect a reassessment of the situation in Brazil, as well as a potential desire to improve diplomatic relations with the current Brazilian administration.

What"s Next

The lifting of sanctions on Justice de Moraes could have several implications for both Brazilian politics and U.S.-Brazil relations. It may signal a thawing of tensions between the two nations, particularly as Brazil navigates its political landscape in the aftermath of Bolsonaro"s presidency. Furthermore, this decision may influence ongoing discussions regarding judicial independence and human rights practices in Brazil.

As Brazil continues to address its political challenges, the international community will be watching closely to see how this development impacts the judiciary"s role in governance and the protection of civil liberties. The U.S. government"s actions may also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

For further insights into related developments, see our coverage on recent developments in diplomatic appointments and previous reports on U.S. foreign policy initiatives.