The Brazil Supreme Court house arrest decision against former President Jair Bolsonaro has drawn global attention. On Monday, the court ordered that Bolsonaro remain under house arrest while facing charges of masterminding a coup attempt to retain power after his 2022 election loss. This order marks a crucial moment in Brazil’s ongoing political turbulence.
The decision, announced by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, followed Bolsonaro’s violation of precautionary measures. He had used his sons’ social media accounts to address his supporters, which violated previous court orders. Bolsonaro spoke to crowds in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday using his son Senator Flavio Bolsonaro’s phone, sparking concerns over his influence.
The former president’s legal challenges gained further momentum after U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments linking tariffs on Brazilian goods to Bolsonaro’s judicial situation. Trump, a strong supporter of Bolsonaro, has publicly called the proceedings a “witch hunt,” further fueling tensions between Brazil’s leadership and the international community.
Following the court order, Brazilian federal police visited Bolsonaro’s home in Brasília to seize his mobile phones as part of the ongoing investigation. Bolsonaro will remain under house arrest in Brasília, though he owns a residence in Rio de Janeiro as well. He is restricted from traveling or participating in public activities.
Brazil’s prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of orchestrating a criminal plot to overturn the 2022 election results. This includes plans to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Justice de Moraes. Bolsonaro’s trial continues to attract attention, especially in light of the broader political crisis in Brazil.
