Brazil’s right-wing former president Jair Bolsonaro has been put under house arrest at the orders of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The decision was announced on Monday as the former president is standing trial for allegedly plotting a coup against President Lula da Silva.
Moraes justified his decision to measure by saying Bolsonaro participated in a demonstration via video conferencing mode held on Sunday in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.
As per the verdict, Bolsonaro acted in clear violation of the social media ban that was imposed on him last month when he was ordered to wear an electronic ankle tag. The alleged video, which was posted by Bolsonaro’s son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, was removed hours later. The judge ruled that his participation in the demonstration was “covert” and demonstrated 'illegal conduct.'
“Acting illegally, the accused, in contravention of an earlier court ruling, said Bolsonaro addressed the protesters...intentionally and consciously to coerce the Federal Supreme Court and obstruct justice," the document said. US President Donald Trump, while expressing his support for Bolsonaro, imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian imports in response to what he called a “witch-hunt” against Bolsonaro.
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Bolsonaro could potentially face 40 years of life imprisonment if the charges are proven accurate. Shortly after the court verdict, the US on Monday condemned the move and said it will hold accountable all those "aiding and abetting" sanctioned conduct.
The US State Department Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said in a post on X, "Justice Moraes, now a US-sanctioned human rights abuser, continues to use Brazil’s institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy.” "Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro’s ability to defend himself in public is not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak!" it added.
Also Read: Lula warns US over ‘coup tactics’, calls for fair global trade
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