Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest by Brazil’s Supreme Court, accused of violating precautionary legal measures while facing trial for allegedly orchestrating a coup attempt after his 2022 election loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The decision, delivered by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, marks a dramatic escalation in Brazil’s political and legal showdown.
Bolsonaro Accused of Violating Court Orders
Justice de Moraes claims Bolsonaro breached court-imposed restrictions by communicating with the public through his sons during a recent protest in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.
“The disrespect to precautionary measures was so flagrant that [Senator] Flávio Bolsonaro removed the Instagram post to hide the transgression,” de Moraes wrote.
Bolsonaro’s lawyers argue the brief message—delivered via a phone belonging to one of his sons—was not a crime nor a violation. They plan to appeal the decision.
Allegations: Coup Plot and Threats to Democracy
Brazilian federal prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of:
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Leading a criminal group seeking to overturn the 2022 election
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Allegedly plotting to assassinate President Lula and Justice de Moraes
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Inciting the January 8, 2023 riots, during which government buildings in Brasília were stormed
This latest house arrest order follows earlier restrictions including:
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Mandatory ankle monitor
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Curfew and travel ban
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Seizure of mobile phones
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Limiting visits to lawyers and immediate family only
U.S. Political Fallout and Diplomatic Tensions
The case has gained global attention due to the vocal support from U.S. President Donald Trump, who tied new 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports to the case against Bolsonaro. Trump has:
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Called the prosecution a “witch hunt”
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Accused the Brazilian judiciary of bias
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Demanded Bolsonaro’s immediate acquittal
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs echoed Trump’s views, stating:
“Let Bolsonaro speak… this is not a public service.”
The U.S. also recently sanctioned Justice de Moraes, citing:
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“Serious human rights abuse”
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“Misuse of power”
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“Politically motivated targeting of Bolsonaro”
Protests and Political Divide in Brazil
The house arrest order came one day after tens of thousands of Bolsonaro supporters rallied in São Paulo and Rio, calling for:
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Bolsonaro’s pardon
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Amnesty for others charged over the Brasília riots
Bolsonaro, a retired army captain and far-right populist, will remain confined to his residence in Brasília and is barred from visiting his home in Rio de Janeiro, where he held a strong political base for three decades.
Context: Arrests of Brazilian Presidents
Bolsonaro is now the fourth former Brazilian president to be arrested since the military dictatorship ended in 1985.
Notably, President Lula da Silva was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption charges before the Supreme Court overturned his conviction, citing judicial bias.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available regarding Bolsonaro’s legal fate and the political implications for Brazil.
