A Brazilian court has mandated that former president Jair Bolsonaro wear an ankle monitor and adhere to a curfew due to concerns he might flee the country during his trial. Bolsonaro, who served from 2019 to 2022, is accused of conspiring to prevent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from assuming office in 2023, charges he vehemently denies. Recently, police searched his home and political headquarters following the Supreme Court's orders.
Court Imposes Ankle Tag and Curfew on Bolsonaro Amid Coup Charges
Court Imposes Ankle Tag and Curfew on Bolsonaro Amid Coup Charges
Brazil's former president faces strict measures as he stands trial for alleged coup plotting against current leader Lula da Silva.
Judge Alexandre de Moraes emphasized that Bolsonaro's actions, alongside his son Eduardo, undermined Brazilian public officials and sovereignty. The restrictions also bar Bolsonaro from social media and communication with select individuals while under 24-hour surveillance. His legal team expressed disbelief at the court's decision, defending his compliance with earlier court orders.
The U.S. has entered the fray, with President Donald Trump criticizing the case against Bolsonaro as a "witch hunt" and suggesting tariffs against Brazil. In response, Lula vowed to retaliate against any imposed tariffs, underscoring Brazil's sovereignty and independent judicial system.
Bolsonaro's trial, which includes several co-defendants, stems from the events surrounding the storming of Brazilian government buildings in January 2023, which the defendants are accused of instigating. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a lengthy prison sentence. In past statements, he has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, asserting there was no agreement for a coup between himself and military leaders as claimed by prosecutors.
The situation has escalated tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, as political alliances and accusations continue to unfold amidst a backdrop of significant judicial scrutiny.
The U.S. has entered the fray, with President Donald Trump criticizing the case against Bolsonaro as a "witch hunt" and suggesting tariffs against Brazil. In response, Lula vowed to retaliate against any imposed tariffs, underscoring Brazil's sovereignty and independent judicial system.
Bolsonaro's trial, which includes several co-defendants, stems from the events surrounding the storming of Brazilian government buildings in January 2023, which the defendants are accused of instigating. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a lengthy prison sentence. In past statements, he has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, asserting there was no agreement for a coup between himself and military leaders as claimed by prosecutors.
The situation has escalated tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, as political alliances and accusations continue to unfold amidst a backdrop of significant judicial scrutiny.
