Supreme Court bans Bolsonaro’s efforts to limit access to information

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Photo: STF/ASCOM

Yet again, the Supreme Court has attempted to draw a line in the sand and limit President Jair Bolsonaro’s actions. In a unanimous decision, the court struck down a provisional decree signed in March allowing government officials to avoid — or delay — answering requests based on the Access to Information Act during the state of public calamity in Brazil.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the decree had no connection with the pandemic and was only intended to prevent the population from accessing public information, which would stand in the way of open public debate. “Government has a duty of absolute transparency,” he said.

The move comes as President Bolsonaro is appealing a decision that would force him to reveal his Covid-19 test results.

Brenno Grillo

Brenno has worked as a journalist since 2012, specializing in coverage related to law and the justice system. He has worked for O Estado de S. Paulo, Portal Brasil, ConJur, and has experience in political campaigns.