RIO DE JANEIRO: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under house arrest by the country’s Supreme Court amid ongoing investigations into an alleged coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The order was issued Monday by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who cited violations of court-imposed restrictions. According to the ruling, Bolsonaro breached precautionary measures by sharing prohibited content via his son’s social media accounts.
“There is a concrete possibility of flight and continued attempts to interfere with the judiciary,” Moraes said, adding that Bolsonaro had reached out to a foreign head of state in a bid to influence Brazil’s legal process — a move the court considered a violation of national sovereignty.
Serious Charges and Tightened Restrictions
Prosecutors have accused the far-right leader of leading a criminal organisation that plotted to overturn the election results, with allegations extending to plans to assassinate both President Lula and a Supreme Court justice. If proven, these would be among the most serious charges Bolsonaro has faced since leaving office in January 2023.
As part of the latest order:
- Bolsonaro will be electronically monitored via an ankle bracelet.
- He is barred from receiving visitors, except close family and legal counsel.
- All mobile phones in his Rio de Janeiro residence have been seized.
This development follows a July court decision that imposed a curfew and travel restrictions on the former president.
Bolsonaro Denies Charges; Trump Offers Support
Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing, characterising the charges as politically motivated. His supporters, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have echoed that sentiment.
“This trial should end immediately!” Trump posted on Truth Social, describing Bolsonaro as a victim of an unjust system.
The high-profile case has drawn global scrutiny, raising concerns over democratic stability in Brazil and the broader consequences for populist leaders facing accountability.
