Brazil's chief prosecutor has charged the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, Eduardo Bolsonaro, with coercion, according to an official statement. The attorney general's office alleges that the congressman acted to serve personal and family agendas at the expense of national interests, threatening Brazil with sanctions from foreign governments.
In response, Eduardo Bolsonaro labeled the charges as bogus, asserting via social media that it is absurd to accuse him of obstructing justice. The timing of these charges comes shortly after his father's sentencing to 27 years in prison for his role in plotting a coup during his presidency from 2019 to 2022.
Residing in the U.S., Eduardo claimed he learned about the allegations through the press and suggested they are indicative of ongoing political persecution. Prosecutors also aim to seek compensation for damages resulting from the alleged criminal actions.
Additionally, businessman Paulo Figueiredo, grandson of former dictator João Batista Figueiredo, has been implicated in the same charges. Eduardo's relocation to the U.S. early this year was motivated by concerns of arrest if he returned to Brazil.
He has been vocal in advocating for support for his father from the Trump administration, which has characterized the case against Jair Bolsonaro as a witch hunt. The political landscape has been further complicated by U.S. actions, including imposed tariffs on Brazil.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on the wife of Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over the trial leading to Jair Bolsonaro's conviction. The justice condemned these sanctions as illegal and regrettable.
The recent charges against Eduardo Bolsonaro exemplify the ongoing political and legal uncertainty surrounding the Bolsonaro family, particularly in light of the explosive nature of the allegations and the turbulent political environment in Brazil.
