A Brazilian judge has initiated an investigation into Elon Musk for obstructing justice after he declared his intent to defy a court order to remove certain accounts from his platform, X, accused of spreading disinformation.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes stated that the probe would scrutinize Musk’s actions for obstruction, criminal organization, and incitement, emphasizing the importance of respecting Brazilian sovereignty.

De Moraes ordered X to comply with judicial orders and warned of fines for each reinstated account.

Musk criticized the judge on X, prompting support for De Moraes from Brazil’s Solicitor General Jorge Messias, Al-Jazeera reported.

De Moraes, known for combating disinformation online, has been involved in investigations against former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Musk had previously met Bolsonaro during a visit to Brazil in 2022 to discuss installing Starlink satellites for internet access in remote areas.

Written by B.C. Begley