In brief
Bolsonaro, under curfew and surveillance, has been accused of orchestrating a coup following his election defeat.
A Brazilian court has mandated that former President Jair Bolsonaro wear an ankle monitor and adhere to a curfew as he stands trial for allegedly trying to orchestrate a coup against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro's presidency spanned from 2019 to 2022, and he has denied all wrongdoing. The court's decision raises concerns that he might attempt to escape legal proceedings, particularly as tensions mount following his loss in the 2022 elections.Bolsonaro's restrictions come after a police raid of his home, ordered by the Supreme Court. He has been banned from social media and prohibited from contacting his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, as well as foreign diplomats. Judge Alexandre de Moraes stated that Bolsonaro is suspected of collaborating with his son to impose sanctions on Brazilian officials.Bolsonaro's legal team expressed shock at the ruling, insisting that he has always complied with court orders. Brazilian Federal Police claim that he has engaged in actions that obstruct justice and undermine national sovereignty. This trial has attracted international attention, especially following remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled the case a "witch hunt" and threatened considerable tariffs on Brazilian products, citing how Bolsonaro is being treated.The former president and seven others are facing five charges related to the assault on government institutions by Bolsonaro supporters a week following Lula's inauguration in January 2023. If found guilty, Bolsonaro, age 70, could potentially face decades in prison. Despite his claims of political persecution, Bolsonaro did not acknowledge his electoral defeat and has repeatedly contradicted any suggestion of collusion in coup activities with military leaders. Many of his followers staged protests, pushing for military intervention to prevent Lula’s ca not be sworn in. The January 8, 2023 events, where thousands stormed the Congress and Supreme Court, were described by federal investigators as an attempted coup.Evidence from a thorough investigation indicated a coordinated effort aimed at undermining democracy to maintain Bolsonaro in power. Reports have accused him of not only being aware of the coup plans but also leading the supposed criminal organization that attempted to overrule Lula.
