Brazil’s political and legal scene is once again in international news—to this point, in a matter relating to Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, better known popularly by the moniker “Big Alex.”

De Moraes has become a hero and a polarizing figure after presiding over a trial that found former President Jair Bolsonaro guilty and sentenced him to 27 years in prison. His actions have been widely hailed as a step towards preserving democracy against a bid for an authoritarian coup, though others have accused him of judicial overreach and turning Brazilian courts into political war zones.

A Judge Under International Scrutiny

Justice de Moraes has been in the spotlight for several previous controversies. He publicly feuded with social media companies, such as Elon Musk’s platform X, calling for deletion of misinformation and extremist content amidst Brazil’s politically volatile elections. For skeptics, this was a matter of free-speech violations; for fans, a necessary measure preventing a disinformation crisis from destabilizing democracy.

Bolsonaro Trial: The Moment of Truth

Conviction of Bolsonaro, who once was deemed as “the Trump of the Tropics,” is Brazil’s most historic verdict in its contemporary history. The court found him guilty of undermining democratic institutions and inciting violence after he lost in elections. For most Brazilian citizens, such a verdict is a sign of accountability from the very top; for his ardent supporters, it is an accusation of political persecution.

Global Ripples

The case has been compared to world leaders in courtroom controversies, like Donald Trump in the United States. Experts warn that the ruling could inspirit or infuriate democracies around the world who are struggling to find a healthy balance between law, politics, and populism.

Between Defender and Disruptor
It Alexandre de Moraes is today a face of Brazil’s thin democratic guardrails. His fans regard him as a “guardian of the republic,” whereas his critics think he is refashioning judicial authority beyond its boundaries. What is factual: Big Alex has become a leading figure not only in Brazil, but in the larger democratic resilience debate in the 21st century.
Click here: