MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

De Moraes trusts Brazil's democracy to defend itself

De Moraes is now investigating Eduardo Bolsonaro for inciting a foreign government to sanction him

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre De Moraes insisted Tuesday that his country’s democracy would be able to defend itself from national and international enemies alike. His remarks came during a ceremony at the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), where his portrait was added to the gallery of former chief justices.

In defending the TSE's role in carrying out the elections, the magistrate said that the country was sovereign. “It doesn't matter who the enemies are or will be, whether national or international. A sovereign country like Brazil will know how to defend its democracy,” he said.

De Moraes is the target of criticism from allies of former president Jair Bolsonaro and like-minded members of the US government of President Donald Trump.

Last week, the US Department of Justice sent a letter to the Brazilian government to criticize the judge's order to delete social media profiles involving Brazilians in that country. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already confirmed that there was “a high possibility” that De Moraes would be sanctioned.

As a result of moves by foreign authorities, De Moraes complied with a request from the Attorney General's Office (PGR) to investigate Federal Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) -currently on leave in the US- for the crimes of coercion in the course of proceedings and obstruction of an investigation.

The former President's son is suspected of inciting the foreign government to adopt measures against De Moraes, who was chosen rapporteur of the case, given that he is also in charge of the coup plot and the fake news investigation. (Source: Agencia Brasil)