Brazil seeks inquiry into alleged US support for anti-court groups
Brazil’s government legal chief Jorge Messias requested an investigation into alleged US funding for groups opposing the Supreme Court. The referral comes before the October 4 presidential election and follows reporting about a planned $1 million allocation. Whether money was paid remains unresolved; the request puts the allegations before federal investigators.
Geopolitics··Morning
Messias sends funding allegations to federal investigators
Brazil’s government legal chief Jorge Messias asked federal police and federal prosecutors to investigate alleged US financing for groups opposing Brazil’s Supreme Court. The referral followed a Guardian investigation into the Trump administration’s funding plans. Messias sought a criminal-law examination of possible implications for national sovereignty, democratic institutions and the electoral process. The request begins an examination of allegations; it establishes neither a completed payment nor criminal wrongdoing.[1], [2]
Proposed funding targets campaigns against the Supreme Court
The Guardian reported that $1 million had been earmarked for Brazilian organisations within a wider proposed redirection of US State Department human-rights funding. The prospective recipients campaign against the Supreme Court’s powers and decisions. Which organisations would receive money, whether the allocation had progressed and whether any payment was completed remained unclear. Brazil’s authorities have been asked to assess those allegations rather than treat the reported plan as a proven transfer.[1]
Referral comes before the October 4 presidential vote
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in the October 4 election. Disputes involving Brazil’s Supreme Court have already strained relations with Washington. The Trump administration imposed higher tariffs, revoked some judges’ visas and sanctioned Justice Alexandre de Moraes; much of the tariff increase was later removed. Messias’s referral adds a request for investigation to those earlier diplomatic and legal disputes.[1]
