Elon Musk X-Lawsuit Challenge: Brazil SC Chief Justice Says All Companies 'Subject To Constitution'

Chief Justice Luis Roberto Barroso underscored that while court decisions may be subject to appeal, deliberate non-compliance is not tolerated within the legal framework of Brazil.

Musk took to X and accused Moraes of "brazenly and repeatedly" betraying the constitution and the people of Brazil.

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Brazil's Supreme Court Chief Justice emphasised the importance of constitutional adherence for all companies operating within the country, refraining from direct reference to any specific entity. Chief Justice Luis Roberto Barroso made this assertion following a decision by one of the court's judges to launch an inquiry into the actions of social media platform X's owner, Elon Musk, as reported by Reuters.

Barroso underscored that while court decisions may be subject to appeal, deliberate non-compliance is not tolerated within the legal framework of Brazil.

"It is certain that any and all companies operating in Brazil are subject to the Federal Constitution, the laws and decisions of the Brazilian authorities", he said.  The statement came in response to Musk's challenge against a court directive mandating X (formerly known as Twitter) to restrict certain accounts.

The remarks made by Musk led Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to initiate an inquiry into the billionaire's conduct. 

Musk Takes On Moraes

Musk took to X on Saturday and accused Moraes of "brazenly and repeatedly" betraying the constitution and the people of Brazil. His tweet read, "This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees and cut off access to X in Brazil. As a result, we will probably lose all revenue in Brazil and have to shut down our office there. But principles matter more than profit."

Coming shortly, 𝕏 will publish everything demanded by @Alexandre and how those requests violate Brazilian law.

This judge has brazenly and repeatedly betrayed the constitution and people of Brazil. He should resign or be impeached.

Shame @Alexandre, shame.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 7, 2024

Justice Moraes is presently investigating allegations of "digital militias" that have been implicated in disseminating false information and promoting hate speech during the administration of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. Additionally, Moraes is overseeing an inquiry into an alleged coup attempt involving Bolsonaro.

In his statement on Monday, Chief Justice Barroso reiterated the commitment of the Supreme Court to safeguarding Brazil's institutions. The response from Brazil's Institutional Relations Minister, Alexandre Padilha, condemned the attack on Justice Moraes, emphasising that it is not merely an assault on an individual, but on the integrity of the Brazilian Supreme Court and those who advocate for the sovereignty of the nation.