Elon Muskowner of X. announced the closure of the social network’s offices in Brazilthis Saturday, August 17, 2024.
The platform stated through a statement that the decision was made after receiving threats by the Minister of the Federal Supreme Court, Alexander de Moraes.
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According to X, the official threatened to imprison his legal representatives “if they did not comply with court rulings.”
The company published part of a document in which the judge’s demands are noted.
The text states that X did not follow previous orders and details that if they do not comply, their representative in Brazil will face a daily fine of $3,600 and prison for disobedience.
“His (De Moraes’) actions are incompatible with a democratic government,” he said. statement.
Will X still be available in Brazil?
Elon Musk addressed the issue on his social media. The South African added in another message that De Moraes “should go“.
The tycoon supported the calls of the Brazilian far right to start a process of impeachment against De Moraes.
“The decision to close X’s office in Brazil was difficult, but if we had agreed to Alexande de Moraes’ demands for secret (illegal) censorship and handing over private information, there was no way we could explain our actions.” without feeling ashamed“, said the businessman.
The social network assured that it is closing its office in the South American country to “protect its employees,” but clarified that the platform will continue to operate in Brazil.
The decision to close the 𝕏 office in Brazil was difficult, but, if we had agreed to @alexandre’s (illegal) secret censorship and private information handover demands, there was no way we could explain our actions without being ashamed.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 17, 2024
De Moraes, investigated for spreading fake news
De Moraes is being investigated for allegedly spreading fake news.
The official is also accused of removing hundreds of posts on X that questioned the soundness of the Brazilian electoral system in the context of the 2022 elections.
In addition, the judge is leading an investigation against the former president. Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) for his alleged participation in an attempted coup d’état after losing the elections to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
These actions have made him a frequent target of attacks by far-right politicians and supporters. With information from EFE.
