Bolsonaro Handed Ankle Monitor as Brazil's Supreme Court Intervenes

In a dramatic turn of events, Brazil's Supreme Court mandated that ex-President Jair Bolsonaro be fitted with an ankle monitor, remain confined to his home during most hours, and abstain from contact with foreign embassies. This decision underscores the court's assessment that Bolsonaro poses a flight risk ahead of his trial for allegedly attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss.

The order was executed by Brazilian federal police, who conducted searches at Bolsonaro's residence on Friday morning, as confirmed by anonymous sources familiar with the matter. Visibly unsettled by the ruling, Bolsonaro's legal team expressed their dismay, noting they complied with previous court requests and deemed the measure excessive.

The situation's complexity deepened with an ongoing conflict between Brazilian authorities and President Trump regarding Bolsonaro's legal proceedings. In a recent social media post, Trump characterized the criminal allegations as politically motivated and announced proposed tariffs on Brazilian imports, intending to pressure the country into dropping the charges against Bolsonaro.

This story continues to evolve, suggesting a nuanced interplay between Brazilian politics and international relations as Bolsonaro awaits trial.

Jack Nicas is the Brazil bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of much of South America.