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Updates on Elon Musk and Brazil concerning X (formerly called Twitter) escalated to new heights with the Supreme Court judge initiating a probe into the decision of Musk to reinstate accounts that the judge ordered to block. SC judge Alexandre de Moraes even included X owner in an investigation around fake news and a Tesla executive for obstruction of justice.

This action came as Musk refused to obey court orders or block certain accounts on X. For the unaware, the escalation between Musk and the Brazilian Justice began in March 2023. For a more detailed look, here are the five points you should know about the case.

Also Read: Brazil Orders Probe After Elon Musk Refuses To Block X Accounts Over Misinformation

  • The row between Musk and the Brazilian Justice started when Alexandre de Moraes ordered X to block certain accounts on the grounds of circulating fake news and stirring violence. However, the Tesla CEO criticised the orders and refused to comply. This led to the opening of investigations into Musk's conduct. However, things escalated in recent weeks.
  • Taking to X, Musk posted: "This judge has brazenly and repeatedly betrayed the constitution and people of Brazil. He should resign or be impeached." He accused the judge of violating Brazilian laws and threatened to not comply with the directions of blocking accounts. According to Mint, right-wing politicians supported Musk and "Impeachment" began trending on X in Brazil.
  • As a result, Moraes threatened to levy fines of roughly $19,740 per day if X reinstated the blocked accounts, according to Reuters. The judge even opened an inquiry accusing Musk of "criminal instrumentalisation" of X. As a response, the SpaceX boss retaliated and challenged the SC judge for a public discussion and mockingly suggested serving as a psychoanalyst for Moraes.
  • The judge has been increasingly tightening measures to curb the spread of disinformation, which includes efforts of select supporters of Jair Bolsonaro, former Brazil president, to discredit the state's election, citing media reports, Mint reported.
  • SC Chief Justice Luis Roberto Barroso has said that "all companies" must comply with the local laws in Brazil. He iterated the 2022 "life-and-death struggle for the democratic rule of law" when Bolsonaro was defeated. For context, Moraes is one of the 11 SC judges in Brazil and is the head of the Superior Electoral Tribunal.

Also Read: 'Bought To Improve...': Elon Musk On Buying Twitter For $44 Billion

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