Campaign of Brazil's pro-Bitcoin presidential candidate suspended, over $6.4 million in public funds frozen

According to BeInCrypto, Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) ruled on August 31 to suspend presidential candidate Renan Santos's digital campaign and freeze approximately 3.3 million reais (about $640,000) in public campaign funds. Justice Dias Toffoli ruled that because Santos registered his 16 campaign social media accounts 12 days past the filing deadline, he violated regulations. He was barred from participating in debates and placing paid political advertisements, with a fine of 50,000 reais (about $10,000) imposed for each violation. Santos had publicly pledged at the "Rio Blockchain 2026" conference on August 13 that if elected, he would establish a national Bitcoin reserve and turn Rio de Janeiro into a "crypto-friendly" city, while abolishing the Financial Operations Tax (IOF), making him the only candidate in this election to openly support a Bitcoin reserve. Santos termed the ruling "censorship" and stated he would pursue an appeal. His candidacy has not been revoked, and street campaigning may continue. Brazil's general election will take place on October 4.