By Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes’ recent decision to suspend billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X is part of a broader effort to combat attacks on democracy and the misuse of disinformation.

“We have a right to defend fundamental rights. Those who violate democracy, who violate fundamental human rights, whether in person or through social media, must be held accountable,” Moraes stated on Friday, without directly naming X.

On Friday, Moraes ordered the immediate and full suspension of X in Brazil until compliance with court orders, including fines of 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million) and designating a legal representative in Brazil.

Moraes instructed telecommunications regulator Anatel to enforce the suspension and to confirm compliance within 24 hours.

Musk, also the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had previously criticized the move as censorship.

Moraes, who was previously in charge of public security in Sao Paulo, gained prominence in 2019 when he led an investigation into “fake news” generated during former President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration. The investigation continues and scrutinizes a so-called “cabinet of hate” operating within Bolsonaro’s presidential palace to discredit opponents and spread misinformation.

Political analyst André Cesar noted that Brazilian institutions lacked proper regulation of social media, with Moraes stepping in as a self-appointed grand regulator.

Among the misinformation under investigation were claims by Bolsonaro and allies that Brazil’s electronic voting system was vulnerable to manipulation.

Moraes also investigated attempts to induce a military coup to reverse Bolsonaro’s election loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Bolsonaro’s encouragement of violence against government buildings shortly after Lula’s inauguration.

His actions led Brazil’s electoral authority to declare Bolsonaro ineligible for eight years, marking a historical first.

While Moraes’ supporters view him as a defender of democracy, critics argue that he employs heavy-handed tactics, conducting raids without warrants and freezing bank accounts.

Musk has likened Moraes to Voldemort, labeling him a “dictator” and “criminal” masquerading as a judge.

In his campaign against disinformation, Moraes mandated the removal of posts he deemed dangerous to Brazil’s institutions, often targeting Bolsonaro’s supporters.

Moraes’s conflict with Musk’s platform began when Musk challenged his directives regarding account suspensions.

Earlier this month, X announced it would close its Brazilian offices over perceived censorship but continued to operate online for Brazilian users.

Moraes threatened to suspend the platform if X failed to appoint a legal representative. He also blocked Starlink’s local bank accounts to ensure fine payment.

While some Brazilians back Moraes, questioning whether Musk will comply with local laws, others wonder if Moraes has exceeded his judicial boundaries.

Cesar commented, “He is a defender of democracy but has overstepped at times with social media. Public opinion may not support him indefinitely.”

Before his tenure on the Supreme Court, Moraes served as Minister of Justice and was Secretary of Public Security in Sao Paulo. A Catholic, his economic views are conservative, and he was once affiliated with the dwindling Brazilian Social Democracy Party.