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Lula adopts cautious Brazil election campaign, sources say

Lula adopts cautious Brazil election campaign, sources say

By Lisandra Paraguassu BRASILIA, Sep 3 (Reuters) - Weeks before Brazil's October election, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is running one of the country's most cautious presidential campaigns in years as he tries to protect a razor-thin lead in the polls against right-wing Senator Flavio

Brazilian justice who imprisoned Bolsonaro now under fire for alleged links to disgraced banker

Brazilian justice who imprisoned Bolsonaro now under fire for alleged links to disgraced banker

The Brazilian Supreme Court justice who sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for a coup attempt is now facing pressure to resign over alleged links to a disgraced banker

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Ties to Disgraced Banker

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Ties to Disgraced Banker

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes is under intense pressure to resign following revelations of alleged links to disgraced banker Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master. Federal police documents, unsealed by Justice André Mendonca, indicate that Vorcaro repeatedly sought advice from a person identified as de Moraes. Investigators believe Vorcaro acted on de Moraes's advice on multiple occasions. Additionally, de Moraes reviewed a 130 million Brazilian reais (approximately $26 million) contract between Vorcaro and de Moraes's wife, Viviane Barci de Moraes, a detail that was already public. Lawyers for de Moraes's wife stated that the justice reviewed the document to ensure no conflict of interest, asserting that he never ruled on cases involving Banco Master or Vorcaro. The allegations have led to widespread scrutiny from politicians, government ministers, newspapers, and legal experts, with calls for de Moraes's resignation. Justice de Moraes has not publicly commented on these findings.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Faces Resignation Calls Amid Links to Disgraced Banker

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Faces Resignation Calls Amid Links to Disgraced Banker

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes is facing significant pressure to resign following revelations of his reported links to disgraced banker Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master. Federal police documents, unsealed by Justice André Mendonca, suggest that Vorcaro repeatedly sought advice from de Moraes and acted on his guidance. These documents also show a previously public contract between Vorcaro and de Moraes's wife, Viviane Barci de Moraes, valued at approximately $26 million. De Moraes had previously sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for a coup attempt. The accusations against Vorcaro, which led to the closure of Banco Master and his jailing, have also implicated several politicians ahead of Brazil's October elections, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who admitted receiving $12 million from Vorcaro. While de Moraes's lawyers state he checked the contract for conflicts of interest and never ruled on cases involving Vorcaro or Banco Master, the justice him...

Brazil's richest captured record income share despite Lula's effort to prioritize the poor

Brazil's richest captured record income share despite Lula's effort to prioritize the poor

By Marcela Ayres BRASILIA, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Brazil's wealthiest captured a record share of national income under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, tax-return data show, offering a striking counterpoint to the leftist leader's effort to convince voters that gains have been widely shared under

Brazilian Court Orders Destruction of Weapons Seized from Former President Bolsonaro

Brazilian Court Orders Destruction of Weapons Seized from Former President Bolsonaro

Minister Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) has ordered the destruction of seven weapons seized from former President Jair Bolsonaro. This decision follows Bolsonaro's conviction for crimes related to an armed criminal association, with the court deeming the weapons instruments of these crimes. The order directs the weapons to the Comando de Operações Especiais do Exército for destruction after expert reports are prepared. Bolsonaro's defense had requested a 90-day period to allow for the transfer of ownership of the weapons, arguing for the preservation of the regulatory deadline for the holder of a cancelled registration certificate to manage controlled products. However, Minister Moraes rejected this request, asserting that weapons used or intended for an armed criminal association qualify as instruments of crime and are subject to confiscation as an effect of conviction. A Glock pistol, also seized, remains in the custody of the Civil Police of the Distrito Federal due to an on...

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Alleges Supreme Court 'Captured' by Dark Money Amidst Concerns Over Judicial Impartiality

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Alleges Supreme Court 'Captured' by Dark Money Amidst Concerns Over Judicial Impartiality

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) has publicly stated that the Supreme Court is 'captured' by dark money. This assertion comes amidst broader concerns regarding the court's impartiality and its relationship with President Trump. Representative Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) has echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the traditional system of checks and balances has been compromised. The criticism highlights a perception that the court, particularly its six Republican members, may align with President Trump's agenda, including potential actions related to mail-in ballots from the Postal Service. The article draws a parallel to historical instances of judicial overreach, referencing the 1857 Dred Scott decision where Chief Justice Roger Taney conspired with President James Buchanan. Chief Justice John Roberts is also noted for consistently siding with President Trump, including a decision that allowed White House ballroom construction to proceed despite preservationist challenges. These concerns are being raised i...

Brazilian President Lula da Silva Enacts 'Taylor Swift Law' to Enhance Fan Protection at Live Events

Brazilian President Lula da Silva Enacts 'Taylor Swift Law' to Enhance Fan Protection at Live Events

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed two decrees, collectively known as the 'Taylor Swift Law,' aimed at improving customer protection at large cultural events. These measures regulate ticket sales and resale practices and mandate the provision of free drinking water for attendees. The legislation specifically addresses issues such as the use of automated systems for mass ticket purchases, abusive resale at inflated prices, and fraudulent sales of non-existent or duplicate tickets. Platforms are now required to disclose original ticket prices, additional charges, and any amounts exceeding the nominal price. Furthermore, mechanisms like virtual queues and pre-registrations are to be implemented for high-demand events, and ticket transfers through official platforms must be available without extra costs. The second decree stipulates that events with over 1,000 attendees, whether in open or closed venues, must ensure free access to drinking water. This applies to a wide range of events inc...

Yen jumps, oil pumps

Yen jumps, oil pumps

By Jamie McGeever ORLANDO, Florida, Sept 2 (Reuters) - The Japanese yen leaped against the dollar on Wednesday, its biggest rise since joint U.S.-Japanese intervention a month ago, while U.S.

Supreme Court Faces Scrutiny Over Ethics and Political Influence Amidst Election Concerns

Supreme Court Faces Scrutiny Over Ethics and Political Influence Amidst Election Concerns

The Supreme Court is under increasing scrutiny regarding its ethical practices and perceived political leanings, particularly in the context of upcoming elections. Concerns have been raised about the majority's decisions, especially those issued via the 'shadow docket,' which are unsigned and unexplained, undermining transparency and accountability. Critics argue that these rulings often favor President Trump's agenda, including a recent temporary decision allowing his administration to proceed with actions related to mail balloting, which some view as an attempt to derail the election process. There are also significant ethical questions surrounding individual justices, such as Chief Justice John Roberts, whose wife's financial dealings as a legal recruiter for firms appearing before the high court have come under fire. Roberts reportedly amended his public disclosure after a whistleblower revealed details about his wife's commission deal and his equity in her subsequent employer, information previously o...

Brazilian Electoral Court to Rule on AI-Generated Bolsonaro Video Amid Deepfake Concerns

Brazilian Electoral Court to Rule on AI-Generated Bolsonaro Video Amid Deepfake Concerns

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) is set to decide whether an AI-generated video of former President Jair Bolsonaro endorsing his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, constitutes an illegal deepfake. The video was played at a national convention for the Liberal Party on July 25, where Flávio Bolsonaro was confirmed as a presidential candidate. Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest and prohibited from making political statements by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Critics argue that the AI simulation was an attempt to circumvent this ban. The Workers’ Party (PT) filed a complaint with the TSE, asserting that the video distorts image and voice, falling under the court's deepfake ban for electoral propaganda. Conversely, Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign maintains that the video was openly labeled as AI-made and therefore legal, with the former president's defense claiming he was unaware of its production or display. The ruling, expected on September 1, will establish a precedent for the use of A...

Will SCOTUS stop Trump's mail ballot scheme? I asked judges. | Opinion

Will SCOTUS stop Trump's mail ballot scheme? I asked judges. | Opinion

The battle over mail-in ballots is being waged in U.S. courts, including the Supreme Court. I asked three judges if they think Trump will succeed.