Judge Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has threatened to detain former president Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly violating restrictive conditions set on him. This warning came after Bolsonaro spoke to reporters in the Brazilian parliament.
De Moraes stated that Bolsonaro had circumvented a social media ban he had enforced when a video emerged showing him in Congress. The judge provided Bolsonaro’s legal team with a 24-hour window to clarify this situation. If they fail to offer a satisfactory explanation, De Moraes hinted he might mandate Bolsonaro’s immediate arrest.
Currently, Bolsonaro is involved in several trials concerning claims that he attempted a “coup” to challenge the results of the 2022 presidential election. This ongoing legal scrutiny, which includes multiple proceedings led by De Moraes, has drawn parallels to what former President Donald Trump described as a “witch hunt.” Trump has linked this incident to his decision to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods starting August 1.
Additionally, on Friday, De Moraes accused Bolsonaro of trying to negotiate a pardon in exchange for relieving these tariffs. De Moraes has enforced strict conditions on Bolsonaro, including the requirement to wear an electronic ankle monitor, adhere to curfews, refrain from using social media, and maintain distance from certain individuals involved in investigations.
Bolsonaro, who has been largely confined to Brazil since his passport was confiscated in February 2024, asserts he has no plans to flee the country. He seems to be adhering to the social media restrictions, with his last posts dated June 18, where he expressed thanks to Trump.
On Monday, Bolsonaro met with lawmakers from his Liberal Party at the Brazilian Parliament. As he exited, he displayed the ankle monitor to the camera, calling it “the greatest humiliation.” Reports indicate that as he left, there was a commotion that resulted in a damaged table and a minor injury to a pro-Bolsonaro MP caused by a microphone incident, but no other significant disturbances were reported.
During his remarks, Bolsonaro emphasized that he has not engaged in any crimes like theft or murder. He expressed that the treatment he is experiencing is unjust, asserting, “What matters to me is God’s law.”
Bolsonaro’s actions in Parliament, and his comments to the press, appear to have escalated tensions further, as De Moraes stated that his restrictions also prevent any third-party broadcasts involving Bolsonaro’s statements. He noted that any violations could lead to immediate consequences, including arrest.
On Tuesday morning, the STF judge, alongside others, voted largely in favor of maintaining the restrictions on Bolsonaro, with a 4-1 majority. Justice Luiz Fux was the sole dissenting vote, arguing that the limitations infringe upon Bolsonaro’s fundamental rights.
Fux contended that, even with criminal precautions, there should be a clear rationale for the measures in place, indicating that the current restrictions lack sufficient justification.
The looming threat of arrest prompted Bolsonaro to withdraw from a planned press conference with fellow party members, which was later canceled. Following De Moraes’ restriction enforcement, multiple justices within the STF and officials like Attorney General Jorge Messias have pushed for the revocation of Bolsonaro’s U.S. visa.
