Creator of the Magnitsky Law criticizes sanctions against Moraes: 'Political settling of scores'

The sanctions imposed last week by the United States on Minister Alexandre de Moraes , of the STF (Supreme Federal Court), brought to light the Magnitsky Act , an American legal instrument that was created to punish human rights violations and corruption in the world.

+ Blocking of cards, bank accounts, and even Uber: the impacts of the Magnitsky Act on Moraes' life

In an interview with Fantástico , on TV Globo , investor and activist William Browder explained that he was responsible for the approval of the Magnitsky Act in 2012, named after his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who was brutally tortured and murdered in a Russian prison for exposing corruption.

"From then on, I made it my life's mission to pass a law to punish other corrupt and human rights violators , as well as the people who killed Sergei Magnitsky," he said. The legislation was signed into law by former President Barack Obama after approval by the U.S. Congress.

Since its inception, the law has become a powerful global instrument, punishing more than 650 individuals and entities around the world. Targets include Russian and Chinese officials , dictators like Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela and Bashar al-Assad , who led a violent regime in Syria , and terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda .