The president of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Minister Luís Roberto Barroso, contested on Monday (14) the justifications of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian products. In open letterBarroso stated that the measure is based on an “inaccurate understanding of the facts” and defended the performance of the Brazilian judiciary.
Last week, Trump sent a letter to President Lula justifying the fare. He mentioned that former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently a defendant at the STF for a coup attempt, suffers a “witch hunt” in Brazil. The US President also mentioned decisions of the Brazilian Court against Bolsonaro supporters living in the United States and who reach US technology companies.
Barroso says Brazil does not pursue opponents
In response, Barroso stated that it is his duty to “offer a factual and objective description of reality.” According to him, “in Brazil today, no one is chased.” The minister pointed out that the Supreme Court acts in a transparent way and respects due process.
To contextualize, Barroso listed episodes considered real threats to democracy. These are attempts to attack the Supreme Court, attempted bomb explosion at Brasilia airport, threats to ministers and false accusations of electoral fraud.
“Far away accusations and attempts to break institutional breakdown at risk,” he said.
The minister also mentioned a complaint from the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), which points to a coup plan led by Bolsonaro. According to the document, there would be intention to murder Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
Barroso stated that the Supreme had a key role in containing the threats. “It was necessary an independent and active court to avoid collapse of institutions, as occurred in many countries of the world,” he said.
He added that criminal actions follow legal criteria, with public trials and monitoring of society, the press and law.
Barroso also responded to the accusations of censorship made by Trump. “There is no censorship in Brazil,” he wrote. He explained that the Supreme Court seeks to protect freedom of expression, including decisions on the responsibility of digital platforms.
According to him, “the solution adopted by the Supreme is moderate, less rigorous than the European, and preserves constitutional values such as freedom of the press, company and expression.”
At the end of the statement, Barroso reinforced the court’s commitment to democracy. “Like the other institutions in the country, the judiciary is with those who work in favor of Brazil and is here to defend it.”
Laura Basilio under supervision of Thiago San.
