STF Report Reveals Escalating Violent Threats Against Supreme Court Ministers on Social Media

An internal report from Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) has uncovered a disturbing surge in violent threats against its ministers, primarily through the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). The report highlights alarming calls for "execution, explosion, hanging, and dismemberment" directed at ministers, signaling a dangerous climate of hostility and incitement against the judiciary.

Minister Flávio Dino shared excerpts from the report indicating that October 2026 saw a notable volume of hostile posts on X, including direct threats against him related to his stance on gun access laws. The report underscores that X harbors the highest concentration of these threatening messages against STF members.

Dino emphasized the toxic atmosphere fueled by the persistent spread of lies and the deliberate incitement of violence. He urged that disagreements with judicial decisions should be resolved through legal and democratic channels rather than through violent rhetoric. While affirming that such threats will not deter his professional duties, Dino expressed concern that fear among judges could undermine judicial independence and ultimately jeopardize the Constitution.

The STF report also references the ongoing "Fake News Inquiry," initiated in 2019 to investigate coordinated attacks against the Court during former President Jair Bolsonaro's tenure. This inquiry remains contentious due to its extended duration and comprehensive scope.

The judiciary faces heightened challenges in the wake of recent elections, with numerous senators openly advocating for the impeachment of STF ministers, particularly targeting Alexandre de Moraes. Discussions are underway among right-wing factions about potentially stripping the STF of its criminal jurisdiction, signaling intensifying political tensions.

This surge in hostile rhetoric and threats against STF ministers reflects deepening political polarization, raising serious concerns about the safety of judicial officials and the preservation of judicial independence in Brazil.