Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Ordered The X social media platform was banned in the South American country, and the company responded by accusing him of political corruption.
Judge Alexandre de Moraes on Thursday warned Facebook owner Elon Musk that the social network could be banned if he refused to appoint legal representatives in the country and followed through on his threat on Friday.The decision was the latest in a months-long battle between Musk's companies and the judge.
“Freedom of speech in America is special.”
In a statement posted on its global government relations page on Thursday, the company said it was being punished for refusing to comply with a judge's “unlawful order to censor a political opponent.”
The judge threatened to jail Ms X's attorney and even froze her bank accounts when she resigned, according to the statement.
“Our challenges to his clearly illegal conduct have been dismissed or ignored,” the company's statement continued. “Justice de Moraes' colleagues on the Supreme Court are unwilling or unable to stand up to him.”
The judge's defenders say the order is legal and necessary at a time when the country's stability is under threat.
The judge also halted financial transactions for Musk's internet satellite company Starlink to force X to comply with the order.
“This order is based on an unfounded decision that Starlink should be held liable for fines unconstitutionally imposed against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due legal process guaranteed by the Brazilian Constitution. We intend to resolve this matter legally.” said Went to work on Thursday.
“Many remote schools and hospitals rely on SpaceX's Starlink! SpaceX will provide free internet service to Brazilian users until this issue is resolved. We can't get paid, but we don't want to leave anyone without access,” Musk responded.
Musk has previously likened de Moraes to a Harry Potter villain and framed the legal challenge as a fight for free speech.
“It's a reminder that freedom of speech in America is special and we must do everything we can to protect it,” Musk said. Written.
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