Sao Paulo, Aug 5: Brazil’s Supreme Court has placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for violating court orders tied to his ongoing coup trial. Bolsonaro is accused of plotting to overturn the 2022 election, including plans to assassinate President Lula and Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
Justice de Moraes said Bolsonaro breached restrictions by using his sons’ social media to spread anti-judiciary content and by addressing supporters at a rally via phone. The court ordered him to wear an ankle monitor, surrender his phones, and limit visitors to family and lawyers.
The move follows mass pro-Bolsonaro protests demanding amnesty for those jailed over the January 2023 riots in Brasília. Bolsonaro’s allies, including his son Flávio, condemned the decision, calling it political persecution.
The case has drawn international attention, with U.S. President Trump calling the trial a “witch hunt” and Brazil facing tariffs linked to Bolsonaro’s legal troubles. Analysts say the situation could deepen political tensions ahead of the 2026 election. (AP)
