Regarding Elon Musk vs. the Brazilian judiciary, the Federal House of Representatives Judiciary Committee issues an interim report expressing Musk's position that 'freedom of expression should be protected'

By Alpha Photo

In early April 2024, the Brazilian Supreme Court ordered the blocking of certain accounts of X (formerly Twitter), which has led to a controversy with X and Elon Musk protesting the order. The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee released an interim report on the Brazilian Supreme Court's order, indicating that the order may be censorship that threatens freedom of expression.

Brazilian Government Forced Censorship on X: New Report Reveals | House Judiciary Committee Republicans
https://judiciary.house.gov/media/press-releases/brazilian-government-forced-censorship-x-new-report-reveals

X's Global Government Affairs division has announced that it has been forced to block certain accounts in Brazil following an order from the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court.

Elon Musk challenges Brazilian Supreme Court decision ordering blocking of certain accounts on X (formerly Twitter) - GIGAZINE

X said, 'Brazilians, regardless of their political beliefs, should have the right to freedom of speech, due process, and transparency from their authorities. We believe that such orders violate the Civil Internet Code and the Brazilian Federal Constitution, and we will challenge them legally to the fullest extent possible.' Musk also pointed out, 'Such heavy-handed measures violate Brazilian law and the will of the people.'

Musk harshly criticized Brazil's Supreme Court judge, Judge Alexandre de Moraes, saying, 'This judge has repeatedly betrayed the Brazilian Constitution and the people. He should immediately resign or be impeached. Shame on him.' Moraes then ruled to include Musk in an existing investigation into 'digital militias' that allegedly spread fake news and threats to attack Brazil's democratic institutions.

Elon Musk of X (formerly Twitter) is being investigated by the Brazilian Supreme Court for allegedly obstructing justice, due to ignoring the Supreme Court's orders - GIGAZINE

On April 17, 2024, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee released an interim report called 'Attacks on Free Speech Abroad and the Biden Administration's Silence: The Case of Brazil,' which includes 28 orders issued by Judge Moraes to X, 23 additional orders issued by Judge Moraes that have not been translated into English, and 37 orders issued by Brazilian Superior Courts.

According to the report, X was ordered to restrict over 300 accounts, including those of former Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro, Brazilian Senator Marcos do Val, and journalist Paulo Figueiredo Filho.

And the House Judiciary Committee has criticized the Biden administration for remaining silent despite efforts by the Brazilian government to censor online speech.

The House Judiciary Committee argued, 'Attacks on free speech abroad should serve as a warning to America. Since publicly voicing his support for free speech, Elon Musk has faced criticism and attacks from governments around the world, including the United States. In Brazil, censorship of opposition parties and investigative journalists is carried out by court order. Under the Biden administration, censorship requests will be made in closed meetings with the implicit threat of regulation, on top of legal battles against political opponents. Now, more than ever, Congress must act to uphold its obligation to protect freedom of expression.'