Brazil’s Ex-President Bolsonaro Placed Under House Arrest by Brazil’s Supreme Court Amid Coup Plot Trial
Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to remain under house arrest, amid ongoing legal proceedings over his alleged involvement in a coup plot to overturn the country’s 2022 presidential election results.
The ruling was handed down on Monday, just one day after nationwide protests erupted in support of Bolsonaro, who has long denied the accusations against him.
Bolsonaro is accused of attempting to sabotage the election outcome that saw left-wing candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emerge victorious. Prosecutors allege he tried to dismantle democratic institutions in the process.
According to a media spokesperson, police enforced the court’s decision on Monday evening by placing Bolsonaro under house arrest at his residence in Brasilia. His mobile phone was confiscated, and crowds of supporters quickly assembled nearby to show their backing.
The order came from Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who claims Bolsonaro violated restrictions placed on his use of social media and political messaging. Moraes has faced recent sanctions from the Trump administration for overseeing the high-profile case.
Bolsonaro’s legal team has vowed to appeal, arguing the former leader has not breached any court-imposed conditions. They maintain his actions have been misinterpreted and politically motivated.
Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of leading an armed criminal group, inciting rebellion against democratic rule, and damaging historic national property. A conviction on coup-related charges could result in a prison sentence of up to 12 years.
In the wake of Lula’s election win, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed Brazil’s National Congress and other government buildings in January 2023. Bolsonaro himself refused to publicly acknowledge his defeat, fueling tensions across the country.
Justice Moraes cited continued social media posts from Bolsonaro’s sons as evidence of indirect defiance. He also noted the former president’s role in promoting calls for foreign intervention in Brazilian affairs.
The case has sparked international controversy, prompting sharp responses from both Brazilian and U.S. officials. Diplomatic tensions have escalated, with U.S. sanctions targeting Moraes and Brazil condemning what it calls unwarranted interference in its judicial process.
