Brazil's Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a case brought against the United States for its alleged role in the 1964 military coup against then president Joao Goulart. The case was brought by relatives of the leftist leader, who was toppled in the coup. The Supreme Court had previously rejected the attempt to sue for damages, noting the immunity of the United States in the Brazilian justice system.
The relatives alleged Washington "contributed decisively in supporting the 1964 military coup, having given financial, logistical and weapons support," the court said. Washington's participation in the coup was confirmed in a 2002 book by then-US ambassador to Brazil Lincoln Gordon, who mentioned the CIA's role in financing opposition politicians in Brazilian elections, relatives said. Goulart's widow Maria Thereza started the legal battle in 2003. Goulart, popularly known by his nickname "Jango," fled to Argentina and then to Uruguay after the coup. He died in Argentina in 1976 from an apparent heart attack.