Brazilian Judge Places Ex-President Bolsonaro Under House Arrest for Social Media Violation
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes orders former president to be placed under house arrest, escalating tensions between court and far-right politician.
A Brazilian judge has placed former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for breaking a social media ban, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the judiciary and the far-right politician.
Accused of plotting to maintain power after his defeat in the 2022 elections to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro is currently on trial at the Supreme Court.In response to allegations that he attempted to disrupt the trial by having his sons and allies share inflammatory speeches online, Bolsonaro was previously ordered to wear an ankle bracelet and forbidden from utilizing social media.
However, this ban was defied when supporters of Bolsonaro, 70, broadcasted a live call between him and his son at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro, one of several held across Brazil.Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes strongly condemned this action, stating that the court would not be swayed by Bolsonaro's 'political and economic power.' In light of what he termed Bolsonaro's 'repeated failure' to adhere to the court-imposed restrictions, he ordered the former president placed under house arrest at his residence in Brasília.
Additionally, Bolsonaro has been barred from receiving visitors, except for his legal team, and from using any mobile phones.This decision is expected to provoke anger in Washington, as it follows last week's sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Brazilian goods and Supreme Court Justice Moraes, whom he accused of conducting a 'witch hunt' against Bolsonaro.
Trump has been a vocal supporter of Bolsonaro, implementing 50% tariffs on various Brazilian imports, including coffee.During the trial, Bolsonaro faces the possibility of a severe prison sentence.
The case is anticipated to conclude in the coming weeks.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has become a figure of hatred among the Brazilian and American right for his efforts to combat far-right ideologies.
He has previously clashed with both Bolsonaro and Elon Musk, accusing the latter of failing to effectively combat disinformation.
Accused of plotting to maintain power after his defeat in the 2022 elections to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro is currently on trial at the Supreme Court.In response to allegations that he attempted to disrupt the trial by having his sons and allies share inflammatory speeches online, Bolsonaro was previously ordered to wear an ankle bracelet and forbidden from utilizing social media.
However, this ban was defied when supporters of Bolsonaro, 70, broadcasted a live call between him and his son at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro, one of several held across Brazil.Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes strongly condemned this action, stating that the court would not be swayed by Bolsonaro's 'political and economic power.' In light of what he termed Bolsonaro's 'repeated failure' to adhere to the court-imposed restrictions, he ordered the former president placed under house arrest at his residence in Brasília.
Additionally, Bolsonaro has been barred from receiving visitors, except for his legal team, and from using any mobile phones.This decision is expected to provoke anger in Washington, as it follows last week's sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Brazilian goods and Supreme Court Justice Moraes, whom he accused of conducting a 'witch hunt' against Bolsonaro.
Trump has been a vocal supporter of Bolsonaro, implementing 50% tariffs on various Brazilian imports, including coffee.During the trial, Bolsonaro faces the possibility of a severe prison sentence.
The case is anticipated to conclude in the coming weeks.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has become a figure of hatred among the Brazilian and American right for his efforts to combat far-right ideologies.
He has previously clashed with both Bolsonaro and Elon Musk, accusing the latter of failing to effectively combat disinformation.