Brazilian Court Seeks to Notify Paulo Figueiredo in US Amid Coercion Allegations
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court initiates US notification to blogger Paulo Figueiredo over coercion claims linked to sanctions efforts involving Eduardo Bolsonaro.
- • Alexandre de Moraes signed a rogatory letter to notify Paulo Figueiredo in the US regarding coercion accusations.
- • Figueiredo and Eduardo Bolsonaro are accused of promoting sanctions against Brazilian authorities to influence judicial decisions.
- • Eduardo Bolsonaro has hinted at a 2026 presidential run dependent on his father's eligibility, amidst ongoing coercion investigations.
- • The notification process requires diplomatic coordination and depends on the US judiciary's cooperation.
Key details
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes has signed a rogatory letter to notify blogger Paulo Figueiredo in the United States concerning accusations of coercion linked to investigations on tariffs affecting Brazilian exports. Figueiredo, a permanent US resident for over ten years, is required to present a defense within 15 days upon receiving this notification, a process that necessitates cooperation between Brazilian and US diplomatic channels and depends on the US judiciary's actions.
The accusations stem from an investigation by Brazil's Attorney General's Office (PGR) into efforts by Figueiredo and Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) to promote sanctions against Brazilian authorities. These sanctions were purportedly intended to influence STF decisions related to former President Jair Bolsonaro's alleged coup attempt. Both Figueiredo and Eduardo Bolsonaro have denied these allegations and expressed their intent to continue collaborating with international partners to impose further sanctions on Brazilian officials.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, who has made over ten visits to Washington D.C. in 2025 alongside Figueiredo, has positioned himself as a potential 2026 presidential candidate, contingent on his father Jair Bolsonaro's eligibility status. Their efforts in the US have resulted in visa cancellations for Brazilian Supreme Court ministers and the enforcement of the Magnitsky Act against Minister Moraes. Eduardo has publicly stated in multiple interviews, including on the conservative One American News network, that he is presenting himself as an alternative candidate if his father's candidacy is obstructed. However, he currently faces coercion accusations related to their US activities and has been absent from the Brazilian Congress since March, with risks to his mandate if his absences continue.
This unfolding legal and political saga highlights substantial tensions between Brazilian figures advocating international sanctions and the judicial processes both in Brazil and abroad. The STF's notification of Paulo Figueiredo in the US is a significant procedural step in addressing allegations that intertwine legal accountability and high-stakes political maneuvering.