Brazilian Bar Association challenges Moraesâ decision
In a recent development in the legal battle over Xâs suspension, Justice Nunes Marques ordered the Public Prosecutorâs Office and the Attorney Generalâs Office to comment on the case.
On September 6, the Justice ordered both offices to submit within five days their assessments of two appeals filed by the Brazilian Bar Association and a political party (Partido Novo).
In the same ruling, Justice Marques indicated that the full Supreme Court should also review the case, citing its âsensitiveâ nature and significant impact on public and social order.
While the final decision rests with the full court, there is no set timetable for that review, and Justice Marques could issue a unilateral ruling before the full court meets. The court panel previously upheld Moraesâ decision to ban the platform on September 2.
The appeals challenge the suspension of the social platform and a fine for users who access X through virtual private networks (VPNs).
Along with the ban on X, Judge Moraes ruled on August 30 that the use of âtechnological subterfugesâ such as VPNs to circumvent the restriction is prohibited. Violators who attempt to access the platform through VPNs in Brazil could face a daily fine of 50,000 Brazilian reais (approximately US$$ 9,000).
Lula governmentâs stance
The Brazilian government, led by President Luiz InĂĄcio Lula da Silva, has expressed strong support for Judge Moraes in the ongoing dispute.
Lula himself and the government have consistently defended Moraesâ decisions, claiming that the Brazilian justice system, represented by Moraes, is working to ensure that social media platforms like X comply with local laws, combating disinformation and protecting democracy.
President Lula said in a local interview on August 30:
âEvery citizen
