In a bold political manoeuvre, US Senator Marco Rubio has proposed stripping US visas from eight Brazilian judges embroiled in the legal disputes surrounding former President Jair Bolsonaro. The move signals a sharp escalation in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Brasília.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The Florida Republican accused the judges of "judicial overreach" in their handling of cases involving Bolsonaro, who faces multiple investigations since leaving office. Rubio's office claims the judges have "weaponised the judiciary" against the controversial former leader.
Who Could Be Affected?
While the judges' identities remain undisclosed, sources suggest they include members of Brazil's Superior Electoral Court and Supreme Federal Court who ruled on key cases involving:
- Bolsonaro's election fraud claims
- COVID-19 response investigations
- Amazon deforestation policies
Legal and Political Implications
The proposal, if enacted, would mark an unprecedented US intervention in Brazil's judicial affairs. Legal experts warn it could:
- Damage US-Brazil relations
- Set a concerning precedent for judicial independence
- Complicate ongoing anti-corruption efforts
Brazil's Foreign Ministry has yet to respond officially, but diplomatic sources describe the atmosphere as "tense." The move comes as Bolsonaro supporters continue protesting what they call "judicial persecution" of the former president.
