Over the weekend, Brazilian congressman Lindberg Farias announced plans to ask the Supreme Federal Court (STF) to revoke the humanitarian house arrest for former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Farias explained that this request was prompted by a live broadcast where Bolsonaro’s son, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, read a handwritten letter from his father. Farias argued this action represented a “violation” of the conditions of Jair Bolsonaro’s house arrest. He is a member of the ruling Labor Party (PT), led by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and represents the state of Rio de Janeiro.
On Saturday, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro hosted a 20-minute livestream on YouTube during which he showed and read the letter. In it, Jair Bolsonaro urged Brazilians to unite and support Flavio’s presidential campaign, describing his son as “the best option to free Brazil from corruption, violence, and poverty.”
He also shared a photo and transcription of the letter on social media.
“My candidate is [Flávio]. He’s my spokesperson, my trusted person to save Brazil and lead us to peace and prosperity,” the letter stated in part.
“I warmly embrace you all, confident that we will work together for our country,” the letter continued, emphasizing themes like “God, homeland, family, and freedom.”
Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year sentence for “crimes against democracy,” as determined by the STF, for allegedly colluding to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election. This election was contentious, amid various instances of censorship against Bolsonaro’s campaign, ultimately resulting in a narrow win for Lula. In December, Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro announced his presidential candidacy, stating he would resign if his father could run.
The former president, now 71, has faced multiple health issues since March and has been under house arrest in Brasilia following a serious bout of bacterial pneumonia in prison. The STF judge deemed it necessary to allow house arrest after Bolsonaro was hospitalized in intensive care. However, strict conditions were set, barring him from media contact or using social media accounts.
Shortly after Sen. Bolsonaro’s livestream, Rep. Farias stated he had urged the STF to revoke Jair Bolsonaro’s house arrest due to the letter’s publication, and he also demanded a fine of 100,000 Brazilian reals (around $19,500) for the senator’s actions.
According to Farias, the former president has been using Flavio as a “spokesperson” to disseminate campaign content, which Farias believes violates the STF’s restrictions on Bolsonaro’s social media use. Farias alleged that Bolsonaro wrote the letter during a family visit on that very day.
Farias reiterated his stance on his official site and on social media, reinforcing his accusations against Bolsonaro for not adhering to the terms of his house arrest. He also noted that Bolsonaro’s actions appeared to be part of an effort to “replace” candidates in the election.
“This is crucial to understand: Flavio’s campaign isn’t gaining any traction. It’s not energizing the base,” Farias commented in his video.
“It’s almost like we’re trading candidates. Flavio isn’t the primary candidate anymore; it’s Jair Bolsonaro,” he added.
As of now, the Supreme Federal Court has remained silent regarding Farias’ request. Last week, Judge de Moraes ordered police to search Jair Bolsonaro’s home for weapons following claims of “inconsistencies” with firearms registered under his name, despite his defense team having them secured.
In March, de Moraes asked for clarification from Bolsonaro’s lawyers after another of his sons, exiled lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, posted a video for his father during a political event in Texas. Eduardo has been living in the U.S. since 2025 after seeking political asylum, claiming persecution by de Moraes.
