BRASÍLIA, Feb 27, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday accused the United States of seeking to "politicize" Brazilian court decisions in a row over free speech restrictions.

This comes after Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes last week ordered the suspension in Brazil of the Rumble video outlet owned by the Trump Media & Technology Group of US President Donald Trump.

The suspension followed Rumble ignoring an earlier order to block the account of a far-right user based in the United States and wanted in Brazil for spreading disinformation.

On Wednesday, the US State Department joined the fray, writing on X that "blocking access to information and imposing fines on U.S. based companies for refusing to censor people living in the United States is incompatible with democratic values, including freedom of expression."

It added that: "Respect for sovereignty is a two-way street with all U.S. partners, including Brazil."

In response, the Brazilian foreign ministry issued a statement saying Lula's government "firmly rejects any attempt to politicize judicial decisions."

Trump's media company has filed a lawsuit in Florida against Moraes's ruling, which it argues violates free speech.

The case follows the judge's clash with X (formerly Twitter) last year, when he blocked the platform in Brazil until owner Elon Musk complied with account suspension orders.

Moraes has defended such actions as necessary to protect Brazilian democracy.

In 2023, supporters of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed Brazil's presidential palace, Congress, and Supreme Court.

Recent investigations allege the former president and allies plotted to assassinate high-ranking officials -- claims Bolsonaro denies.

Brazilian prosecutors have charged Bolsonaro with five counts related to allegedly trying to prevent Lula from taking office.