Sharing the official statement on its official X handle, the Federal Supreme Court said, “Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), summoned on Wednesday night (28) businessman Elon Musk, owner of the social network X (formerly Twitter), to indicate, within 24 hours, the new legal representative of the company in Brazil.”
The Supreme Court notified X of the order by replying to a post from the platform’s global government affairs account.
On its official site, the STF said, “The summons was made through a post on the Court’s official profile on the social network itself. The lawyer appointed in the proceedings was also summoned, on 08/18/2024, to present the information.”
“In case of non-compliance with the determination, the decision provides for the suspension of the social network’s activities in Brazil,” the STF said.
This latest development is part of an ongoing dispute between X and Alexandre de Moraes, minister of the Supreme Federal Court which has involved issues surrounding free speech, far-right accounts, and the spread of misinformation.
X recently announced the removal of all remaining staff in Brazil, claiming that de Moraes had threatened to arrest the company’s legal representative.
“Last night, Alexandre de Moraes threatened our legal representative in Brazil with arrest if we do not comply with his censorship orders. He did so in a secret order, which we share here to expose his actions. Despite our numerous appeals to the Supreme Court not being heard, the Brazilian public not being informed about these orders and our Brazilian staff having no responsibility or control over whether content is blocked on our platform, Moraes has chosen to threaten our staff in Brazil rather than respect the law or due process,” X’s global government affairs account said.
In April, de Moraes ordered investigations into Musk regarding the dissemination of defamatory fake news and possible obstruction, incitement, and criminal organization, reported AP news agency.
While Brazil’s political right has accused de Moraes of overstepping his authority to restrict free speech and engage in political persecution, his supporters argue that his actions are lawful, backed by the majority of the court, and necessary to protect democracy during challenging times.