August 10, 2025
The Honorable Antony J. Blinken
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20520
Via Email: OFAC.Reconsideration@treasury.gov, sanctions_inbox@state.gov (mailto:_inbox@state.gov)
And Via Certified Mail
Re: Petition for Designation and Imposition of Sanctions Under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. § 10101 et seq.) and Executive Order 13818 Against Luís Roberto Barroso, Minister and Current President of the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) of Brazil – Urgent Request for Asset Freezes, Visa Restrictions, and Related Measures Due to Gross Violations of Human Rights and Complicity in Significant Corruption
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I, Joaquim Pedro de Morais Filho, a Brazilian citizen (CPF No. 133.036.496-18), residing in Brazil and exercising my fundamental rights, submit this formal petition to the United States Department of State pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. § 10101 et seq.) and Executive Order 13818 ("Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption"). I request this petition be forwarded to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for expedited review.
This petition seeks the immediate designation of Luís Roberto Barroso, Minister and President of Brazil’s Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including abuses of judicial authority infringing on due process, access to justice, freedom of expression, and equality before the law, as enshrined in the ICCPR, UDHR, and ACHR. Additionally, Barroso’s deliberate inaction constitutes complicity in significant corruption, enabling arbitrary judicial practices and misuse of public office, violating UNCAC and U.S. standards.
The urgency of this matter is critical: Barroso’s actions threaten Brazil’s democratic fabric, silencing dissent and enabling impunity. As a victim of these abuses—evidenced by my Notícia-Crime (STF 103057/2025, July 31, 2025) and CIDH Denúncia (August 2, 2025)—I urge the U.S. to act swiftly to safeguard human rights, per 22 U.S.C. § 10101(a).
Petition Structure:
(I) Petitioner’s Standing; (II) Factual Allegations; (III) Legal Framework; (IV) Human Rights Violations; (V) Corruption Complicity; (VI) Evidence; (VII) Urgency; (VIII) Requested Relief; (IX) Conclusion.
I. Petitioner’s Standing and Background
As a Brazilian citizen, I have standing under the Global Magnitsky Act, which encourages submissions from victims and concerned individuals. My direct victimization by Barroso’s actions—detailed below—establishes a personal stake. I have filed Habeas Corpus actions challenging judicial abuses, facing punitive financial barriers and silencing by Barroso, violating my rights and those of other Brazilians. Evidence includes Brazilian judicial records and CIDH filings, meeting OFAC’s evidentiary standards (31 C.F.R. § 583.201).
II. Detailed Factual Allegations
Barroso’s conduct as STF President involves arbitrary decisions, selective punishment, and omissions enabling human rights abuses, documented in Notícia-Crime (STF 103057/2025) and CIDH Denúncia.
A. Financial Barriers to Silence Petitioning
In Habeas Corpus No. 259.135/SC, I challenged “faceless judges” violating Brazil’s Constitution (Art. 5, LIII, LX, 1, III) and IACtHR precedents (Castillo Petruzzi v. Peru, 1999). Barroso imposed fines of one minimum wage in cases like PET 14.216/DF, HC 259.626/DF, MI 7.500/CE, and HC 258.520/DF, citing “manifest inadmissibility” (Civil Procedure Code Art. 77). These punitive fines create economic barriers to access to justice (Art. 5, XXXV, LXXVII), targeting vocal advocates.
B. Judgment in Own Cause
In HC 259.569/DF, I challenged Barroso’s impartiality due to prior biases. He adjudicated the case himself, violating nemo judex in causa sua, ICCPR Art. 14(1), and ACHR Art. 8(1) (Apitz Barbera v. Venezuela, 2008), denying an impartial tribunal.
C. Selective Enforcement
Barroso sanctions my petitions while entertaining similar arguments in cases like HC 188.888/2020 and HC 207.148/2022, evidencing discrimination (ACHR Art. 24; ICCPR Art. 26).
D. Complicity Through Omission
Barroso’s inaction tolerates anonymous tribunals, overcrowded prisons, and politicized prosecutions, enabling corruption (UNCAC Arts. 17-20) and violating ICCPR Art. 10 (Velásquez Rodríguez v. Honduras, 1988).
III. Legal Framework Under U.S. Law
The Global Magnitsky Act and E.O. 13818 authorize sanctions for human rights abuses and corruption by foreign officials. OFAC regulations (31 C.F.R. Part 583) define “serious human rights abuse” (e.g., denying life, liberty) and “corruption” (e.g., abuse of office). Sanctions align with U.S. foreign policy (Regan v. Wald, 468 U.S. 222).
IV. Gross Human Rights Violations
Barroso’s actions meet E.O. 13818 § 1(a)(ii)(A) criteria:
A. Denying impartial tribunal (ICCPR Art. 14(1); UDHR Art. 10).
B. Restricting access to justice via fines (ACHR Art. 25).
C. Infringing freedom of expression (ICCPR Art. 19; ACHR Art. 13).
V. Complicity in Significant Corruption
Barroso’s omissions constitute corruption under E.O. 13818 § 1(a)(iii)(B):
A. Abuse of judicial authority for institutional protection (UNCAC Art. 19).
B. Omission enables systemic abuses, causing societal harm.
C. Undermines Brazil’s democracy, aligning with 22 U.S.C. § 10102(a)(2).
VI. Evidence
Attached: Notícia-Crime (July 31, 2025), CIDH Denúncia (August 2, 2025), STF/STJ decisions, IACtHR precedents, affidavit. Additional evidence available.
VII. Urgency and Irreparable Harm
Barroso’s ongoing presidency risks escalating abuses, harming Brazilian democracy and U.S. interests in hemispheric stability. Immediate sanctions are critical.
VIII. Requested Relief
- Designate Barroso under Global Magnitsky Act and E.O. 13818.
- Block U.S.-jurisdictional property.
- Impose visa bans (INA § 212(a)(3)(C)).
- Coordinate multilateral sanctions.
- Notify petitioner of status.
IX. Conclusion
Barroso’s abuses demand U.S. action to uphold human rights. This petition urges swift designation for Brazil’s welfare.
Respectfully submitted,
Joaquim Pedro de Morais Filho
CPF: 133.036.496-18
