Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes suspended the extradition of Bulgarian drug trafficker Vasil Georgiev Vasilev in response to Spain's refusal to extradite Brazilian blogger Oswaldo Eustáquio. Moraes argued this violated the principle of reciprocity in the Brazil-Spain extradition treaty.
Critics argue Moraes' decision was rash and lacked due consideration, equating a drug trafficker with a blogger and harming Brazil's image. They suggest diplomatic avenues should have been explored before such a drastic measure. The decision also risks Vasilev fleeing after being placed under house arrest.
Spain's National High Court deemed Eustáquio's case politically motivated, preventing extradition under the treaty's stipulations against extraditing for political offenses. This raises questions about the true nature of the charges against Eustáquio.
The incident underscores concerns about potential imbalances within Brazil's judiciary and its international repercussions. It casts doubt on the ability to fairly punish those involved in past coup attempts. The potential escape of Vasilev would further damage Brazil's judiciary and undermine Spain's criminal justice system.