Congress Probes FBI's Role in Brazil's Crackdown on Government Critics

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan is demanding answers from the FBI regarding allegations that the bureau contacted Americans on behalf of the Brazilian government. Reports out of Brazil suggest the FBI may have assisted in the Brazilian government's efforts to silence critics and journalists.

Jordan sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, pressing for information about the FBI's involvement. The letter highlights concerns that the FBI might be aiding a foreign government's censorship efforts, which threatens fundamental free speech rights. The chairman set a deadline of June 4 for the FBI to respond.

• In Brazil, news outlets reported that the FBI reached out to two U.S. residents, including a journalist targeted by Brazilian court censorship orders.

• Jordan’s letter underscores a pattern, noting the FBI's previous coordination with Ukrainian intelligence to flag U.S. citizens’ social media accounts.

• Free speech on digital platforms is a cornerstone of democratic societies, and any interference by the FBI in support of foreign censorship is alarming.

Brazil's Supreme Court is investigating speech deemed subversive or hateful, targeting social media critics and former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. This sweeping probe has included high-profile figures like Elon Musk, who has publicly challenged the court's demands.

Musk has claimed that his platform, X, faced threats of fines and employee jail time unless it complied with court orders to remove certain accounts. He labeled these orders illegal and pledged to reveal all communications between X and the court once his employees were safe.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, leading the censorship campaign, accused Musk of obstructing Brazilian justice and inciting crime. He stated that Musk’s refusal to cooperate disrespects Brazil's sovereignty and aligns with criminal activities associated with the former Twitter.

The FBI has yet to respond to these allegations. As this situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the FBI's role in supporting foreign government actions that may infringe upon the freedoms of American citizens.

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