The former president violated July court restraining orders by protesting in Copacabana on Sunday. On Monday, Brazil’s Supreme Court mandated that former President Jair Bolsonaro be placed under house arrest due to his “repeated failure to comply with precautionary measures,” while also prohibiting him from receiving visitors. The ruling by Alexandre de Moraes, a judge of the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil (STF), stipulates that the former president is permitted visits solely from his legal representatives and individuals pre-approved by the court, while also prohibiting the use of a cell phone.
“Justice will not permit a defendant to dismiss her as a fool, believing that she will evade punishment due to her political and economic influence,” the judge articulated in a document. The judge clarified that the ruling stemmed from Bolsonaro’s noncompliance with the court-mandated restraining orders issued in July, following his appearance at a demonstration this past Sunday in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. He even disseminated images on social media, contravening the court-ordered measures.
Thousands of supporters of Bolsonaro mobilized in São Paulo to express their dissent against the administration of President Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, brandishing American flags and displaying banners inscribed with “SOS Trump.” The demonstrators rallied in support of Donald Trump following his acknowledgment of implementing 50% tariffs on Brazil, which was accused of prosecuting its ally for allegedly conspiring to maintain power through a coup.
The Prosecutor’s Office has charged Bolsonaro with heading a criminal organization that allegedly plotted to subvert the electoral process, including intentions to assassinate the sitting president of Brazil. In that context, last month he received an order to wear an electronic anklet, and his activities have been curtailed as the investigation proceeds.