Newsletters
Brazil’s Supreme Court placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest on Monday as he stands trial for allegedly plotting to stay in power after losing the 2022 election to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The court's decision, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, follows earlier judicial measures against Bolsonaro, including an order last month to wear an electronic ankle monitor. At the time, Bolsonaro publicly referred to the device as "a supreme humiliation."
Justice Moraes cited Bolsonaro’s failure to comply with prior court-imposed restrictions as grounds for the house arrest order.
The former president is also now prohibited from using a mobile phone, whether directly or through intermediaries, and may only receive visitors approved by the court, such as legal counsel.
These expanded restrictions come amid allegations that Bolsonaro sought external support—including from U.S. President Donald Trump—during the alleged effort to overturn the election results.
The judicial measures have coincided with renewed diplomatic friction between Brazil and the United States. Trump, who has recently announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian goods, has linked the trade measures to what he described as a politically motivated campaign against Bolsonaro.
The U.S. president also imposed sanctions targeting Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The Brazilian investigation accuses Bolsonaro of conspiring with allies to orchestrate a coup following his electoral defeat. His press office has acknowledged the house arrest order and confirmed the restrictions on communication.
Bolsonaro’s legal proceedings remain ongoing, with prosecutors focusing on the extent of coordination between the former president and his supporters to challenge the 2022 election outcome.
The case is seen as a test of Brazil’s judicial independence and democratic safeguards following one of the most polarized elections in the country’s recent history.
1 min read
4 min read
