Elon Musk has disclosed plans to publish what he describes as a "long list of crimes" committed by the judge. This announcement comes in the wake of Brazil's decision to block access to Musk's social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.
The conflict reached a boiling point when Justice de Moraes ordered the suspension of X in Brazil after Musk failed to comply with court orders to name a legal representative in the country. The judge also imposed fines exceeding $3million and threatened further penalties for users attempting to bypass the ban using virtual private networks (VPNs).
"Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country," de Moraes wrote in his ruling. He added that any person or company using VPNs to access X would face daily fines of 50,000 reais, approximately $8,900.
Musk, who has been vocal about his stance on free speech, responded furiously. "Free speech is the bedrock of democracy, and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes," he posted on X. He went further to label de Moraes as an "evil dictator cosplaying as a judge."
The shutdown of X in Brazil, a country with over 200 million people, began to take effect early Saturday. This move has significant implications, given that around 40 million Brazilians use the platform monthly. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with many users seeking alternatives like BlueSky and exploring ways to circumvent the ban.
Justice de Moraes has been a controversial figure, particularly among Brazil's right-wing factions. His actions against misinformation and far-right accounts have made him a hero to some and a villain to others. Critics accuse him of heavy-handed tactics and censorship, while supporters argue that his measures are necessary to protect democracy.
Musk's defiance has not been limited to X. The judge also froze the finances of Starlink, Musk's satellite internet service, to collect the fines levied against X. In response, Musk announced that Starlink would provide free internet service in Brazil until the matter is resolved.
As the standoff continues, Musk has promised to make public the "illegal demands" and related court filings from de Moraes. "We intend to address the matter legally," Starlink stated, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and due process.
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