In brief
In a striking move, Brazil's Supreme Court has mandated that former President Jair Bolsonaro wear an ankle monitor, severely limiting his freedom and hinting at potential flight risk amid ongoing coup-related legal issues.
Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor and remain at home for most hours as he faces accusations of attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election. The ruling signifies the court's belief that he might attempt to flee the country before his trial. On Friday morning, Brazilian federal police executed a search of Bolsonaro's residence as part of the Supreme Court's directive. Media captured Mr. Bolsonaro arriving at a government facility to have the ankle monitor fitted. His lawyer, Paulo Cunha Bueno, confirmed the court’s restrictions and expressed outrage at the severity of the orders, highlighting that the defense has complied with all prior court mandates. Furthermore, the court has barred Bolsonaro from using social media or communicating with his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who is currently lobbying the Trump administration to intervene in his father's case. The former President received a letter from Trump, who denounced the prosecution as politically motivated and threatened to impose high tariffs on Brazilian imports if the charges were not dropped. This situation marks a significant escalation in the tense relationship between Brazilian authorities and the Trump administration regarding Bolsonaro’s legal woes. As developments unfold, the story remains active and will continue to be updated.
