In a move aimed at protecting the speech of Americans from foreign interference, the United States has imposed sanctions on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes for serious human rights abuses.
On July 30, 2025, the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced that Justice de Moraes would be designated under Executive Order 13818, a law aimed at holding individuals responsible for human rights abuses accountable. The decision was made in response to de Moraes’ actions involving arbitrary detention and the denial of fair trial guarantees, as well as his efforts to silence political critics through secret orders compelling online platforms to ban protected speech.
According to reports, Justice de Moraes issued secret orders to U.S. social media companies, ordering them to remove accounts belonging to individuals who had expressed protected views on sensitive topics. This move was seen as an attempt to stifle dissent and undermine the freedom of expression in Brazil.
The Impact of Sanctions
The United States will use a range of diplomatic, political, and legal tools to protect American speech from foreign malign actors like Justice de Moraes. This includes working closely with international partners to address human rights abuses and promoting the protection of free speech around the world.
Background on Executive Order 13818
Executive Order 13818 is a law aimed at building upon and implementing the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The order allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for severe violations of human rights, including those who deny others their fundamental freedoms.
Reaction from the International Community
The imposition of sanctions on Justice de Moraes has been widely condemned by international human rights organizations and experts. Many have called on Brazil’s government to take action against its Supreme Court Justice and address the country’s growing human rights concerns.
The United States has consistently demonstrated a commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world. This move is seen as part of that effort to protect American interests and promote global stability.
Conclusion
In summary, the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on Justice de Moraes reflects its commitment to protecting the speech of Americans from foreign interference. The U.S. government will continue to use all available tools to address human rights abuses and promote the protection of free speech around the world.