Flávio Bolsonaro allies back imprisoned Senate candidate, anticipate US sanctions

Allies of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro say that, amid rising tension between Brazil and the United States, the Magnitsky sanctions could be reinstated against Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. They point to recent diplomatic friction, including the denial of visas to two Trump administration officials, and argue that the earlier removal of the sanctions was a political gesture that may be reversed.

The Liberal Party (PL) has decided to keep former Belford Roxo mayor Márcio Canella—who was arrested after a police search uncovered a rifle in his car—as its Senate candidate from Rio de Janeiro. The move aims to preserve the federation with Union Brazil and maintain Flávio Bolsonaro’s alliance ahead of the candidate registration deadline in early August.