Trending 
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday criticised the US visa restrictions placed on judges involved in the case against former leader Jair Bolsonaro, who is an ally of right-wing figure Donald Trump.
Bolsonaro faces trial for allegedly attempting to maintain power by overturning Lula’s victory in the 2022 election.
“My solidarity and support go to the justices of the Supreme Federal Court, who have been affected by yet another arbitrary and completely baseless measure by the United States government,” Lula said in a statement posted on X.
On Friday, Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered that Bolsonaro be fitted with an electronic monitoring device, remain in his home during the night, and refrain from using social media until a verdict is reached.
Shortly after that ruling, the United States revoked the visas of Moraes, his associates on the court, and their immediate family members.
“Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’s political witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazil’s shores to target Americans,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
Both Trump and Bolsonaro claim they are victims of political persecution, with Trump frequently lashing out at judges concerning their decisions.
