Judge Seeks Clarification on Eduardo Bolsonaro’s Video for Jair Bolsonaro

On Monday, Judge Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) requested an explanation from Jair Bolsonaro’s legal team concerning a video recorded by his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Eduardo mentioned that the video was intended for his father, who is currently under house arrest and recovering from pneumonia.

Recognized as one of Brazil’s most influential judges, De Moraes has been a key figure in a prolonged series of actions against former President Bolsonaro, his family, and their supporters. He played a pivotal role as the rapporteur in the trial that culminated in Bolsonaro’s conviction and a lengthy prison sentence.

The former congressman, Eduardo Bolsonaro, sought political asylum in the United States last year, claiming he was being targeted by a campaign led by De Moraes. He was expelled from his position in Brazil’s Congress after missing a significant number of meetings while abroad.

While at CPAC, which took place at the Gaylord Texan Resort from March 25 to 28, Eduardo recorded the stage presentation on his phone, expressing his intention to share it with his father. “I’m filming this video to show my father and to prove to everyone in Brazil that we can’t stifle a movement by unjustly imprisoning its leader, Jair Messias Bolsonaro,” he stated to the audience.

According to reports, after De Moraes’ court order, a judge provided Bolsonaro’s legal team with 24 hours to clarify whether Jair had viewed the video Eduardo mentioned. Since July 2025, Jair Bolsonaro has faced stringent restrictions from De Moraes, including prohibitions on using social media and electronic devices.

Last week, De Moraes granted temporary benefits of house arrest to Jair Bolsonaro after he was diagnosed with bacterial bronchopneumonia, having spent over ten days in an intensive care unit. The restrictions still include a ban on any type of communication, including videos or recordings.

By Monday night, Bolsonaro’s attorneys responded, indicating they learned of Eduardo’s actions only after receiving the court order and were unaware of the video circulating online. They assured De Moraes that Jair Bolsonaro has adhered to the terms of his house arrest and is committed to complying with the conditions established.

The lawyers also noted that there is no concrete evidence of direct or indirect communication between Jair and Eduardo.

Meanwhile, Eduardo released a video online alleging that De Moraes is attempting to craft a narrative suggesting that his actions might lead to Jair’s return to regular prison. He remarked, “It seems the persecution isn’t enough. The mainstream media continues its pursuit. My message is clear: I’m not stopping.” He added that De Moraes had other pressing matters to address, referring to ongoing corruption scandals.

In a separate social media post, Eduardo compared De Moraes’ request to reports about a letter purportedly written by jailed Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro while in custody.

Looking ahead, Eduardo Bolsonaro has been summoned to testify via videoconference on April 14 as part of an investigation concerning allegations that he and journalist Paulo Figueiredo attempted to impede legal proceedings benefiting Jair Bolsonaro in the United States. Following a ruling from De Moraes, the STF opted to pursue a criminal investigation against Eduardo and Figueiredo.