Jair Bolsonaro's legal team plans to appeal the ruling, denying any wrongdoing while the US government threatens consequences for those enabling charged conduct.
US Denounces House Arrest of Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
US Denounces House Arrest of Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
The US State Department criticizes the Brazilian Supreme Court's order for Bolsonaro's house arrest amid coup allegations.
In a controversial move, Brazil's Supreme Court has mandated that former President Jair Bolsonaro be placed under house arrest as he faces trial for alleged coup plotting—the charges he firmly denies. The decision was made by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who cited Bolsonaro’s noncompliance with earlier imposed restraining orders.
Bolsonaro's legal representation has pushed back against the ruling, asserting that they have not violated any legal constraints and intend to appeal the decision. The situation has escalated to garner international attention, with the US State Department openly condemning the court's order, stating it will hold accountable anyone facilitating the alleged misconduct.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the former US president, has labeled the trial a "witch-hunt.” He has leveraged the situation to impose 50% tariffs on certain Brazilian imports, despite the US maintaining a trade surplus with Brazil.
Justice Moraes noted that Bolsonaro actively used social media platforms through his family—including his sons—to disseminate messages that incited attacks on the Supreme Court and encouraged foreign interference in Brazil's judicial processes. Pro-Bolsonaro events have been held across multiple Brazilian cities, with his son Flávio featuring his father on a speakerphone addressing supporters in Rio de Janeiro.
In light of these violations, Moraes has barred Bolsonaro from receiving visitors other than legal counsel or individuals authorized by the court, along with restricting his mobile phone usage to avoid further infractions. The ruling harshly emphasizes that the law does not discriminate based on an individual's political or economic status.
Both Trump and Bolsonaro shared a close relationship during their presidencies, and Trump has recently expressed admiration for Bolsonaro, insisting he is innocent of any wrongdoing and hailing him as a devoted leader. As Bolsonaro's legal troubles intensify, the implications on US-Brazil relations continue to unfold.
