Brazil's Former President Jair Bolsonaro Placed Under House Arrest Amid Coup Allegations

In a significant legal development, Brazil's Supreme Court has mandated that ex-President Jair Bolsonaro be placed under house arrest while he faces serious accusations of plotting a coup, which he strongly refutes. This decision, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, comes in response to Bolsonaro's non-compliance with prior restrictions. Notably, Bolsonaro's situation has drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump denouncing the trial as a "witch-hunt", coinciding with his decision to impose tariffs on certain Brazilian imports. The ruling places strict limits on Bolsonaro's communications and public interactions, reflecting ongoing tensions within Brazil's political landscape.

Bolsonaro's legal troubles stem from allegations that he misused social media to incite violence against the judiciary. The judge highlighted that Bolsonaro had used platforms operated by his allies, including his sons, to disseminate messages that undermined the Supreme Court's authority. Following this, numerous pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations took place in cities across Brazil, where supporters rallied around their former leader, despite the legal scrutiny he faces.

As part of the house arrest order, Bolsonaro is prohibited from receiving visitors other than permitted legal representatives, using a mobile phone, and has been instructed to wear an ankle monitoring device and maintain a curfew. These measures arise from accusations that he sought to influence U.S. officials regarding his case. The unfolding events continue to raise questions about Brazil's political future and the robustness of its democratic institutions. More updates will follow as this story develops.