The president of the Federal Supreme Court (), minister, released on Sunday (13) a public letter in which he countered criticism made by the United States government to justify the imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian products. Without directly citing the president, Barroso stated that the measure is based on an “inaccurate understanding” of recent events in Brazil and defended the role of the court in the preservation of democracy.
According to the minister, different worldviews are part of democratic life, but “do not give anyone the right to twist the truth or deny concrete facts that everyone saw and lived.” He also criticized the accusation that there is a court chase against former President Jair Bolsonaro, used by Trump to justify the call.
Barroso stressed that the judgment of criminal actions related to the attempted coup d’état will continue with “independence and based on evidence.” “If there is evidence, the culprits will be held responsible. If not, they will be acquitted. So the Democratic Rule of Law works,” he said. In the letter, the president of the STF has recalled episodes of threat to the institutional order in recent years, such as:
- Attempts of bomb attacks at Brasilia airport and STF itself;
- Unfounded accusations of fraud in the electronic ballot box;
- Camps in front of barracks asking the president -elect to deposition;
- And, according to the Attorney General’s Office, a murder plan against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT), Deputy Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) and Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
For Barroso, it was necessary to act firmly from the Supreme Court to avoid the institutional collapse. “The judiciary is with those who work in favor of Brazil and is here to defend it,” he wrote. The minister also commented on the recent trial on social networking regulation. He said the Supreme Court has adopted a “moderate solution”, less rigorous than European legislation, and said the court has firmly protected freedom of expression, the press and company.
Barroso also highlighted previous decisions that overturned restrictions on press freedom, political humor and the publication of unauthorized biographies. The president of the Supreme explained that he waited for an initial demonstration of the federal government before pronouncing. “It was up to the executive and, particularly, to diplomacy – not to the judiciary – to lead immediate political responses, still in the heat of events,” he wrote.
President Lula had said that Bolsonaro should take responsibility for the tariffs. Already allies of the former president, such as Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), blamed the Supreme Court, especially Minister Alexandre de Moraes, for the diplomatic crisis. Last Wednesday (9), President Donald Trump announced the application of 50% import tariffs on all Brazilian products, starting on August 1. The decision generated criticism and narrative disputes between allies and Lula government opponents.
Trump claimed that Bolsonaro is the subject of a “witch hunt” and said the trial on the scam attempt “should not be taking place.” However, data from the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM Brazil) point out that the US registered a surplus of US $ 1.7 billion in the trade balance with Brazil in the first semester – a growth of 500% over the same period last year.
