Brazil’s former President Bolsonaro ordered to wear ankle tag, placed under curfew

Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered a police raid on former President Jair Bolsonaro’s home and mandated he wear an electronic ankle monitor, signaling a major development in his ongoing legal troubles, Bloomberg reports.

The move came shortly after former US President Donald Trump urged Brazil to drop the criminal charges against Bolsonaro.

Restrictions amid coup attempt trial

Facing trial for an alleged coup attempt tied to last year’s violent attack on government buildings by his supporters, Bolsonaro is now prohibited from using social media, contacting foreign diplomats, approaching embassies, and must observe an evening curfew. The court cited obstruction of justice and flight risk as justification.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers expressed shock at the restrictions, asserting that he has always complied with judicial rulings. 

Economic fallout and family appeals

The political tension affected Brazil’s currency. Bolsonaro’s son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, publicly urged Trump to reconsider the planned tariffs on Brazil and instead apply targeted sanctions, though the message was later deleted. Meanwhile, Eduardo Bolsonaro, lobbying in the US, accused Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes of political bias and “weaponising” the judiciary against his father, calling the measures a “supreme humiliation.” 

Legal challenges and past controversies

The ex-army captain and Trump ally denies involvement in the January 2023 government building assaults but faces multiple charges, including selling presidential gifts and undermining Brazil’s electoral system. His passport has been confiscated, and he is barred from holding public office.

Last year, Bolsonaro spent several days at the Hungarian embassy in Brasilia after surrendering his passport, sparking speculation he sought refuge—claims he denied. 

Ongoing court proceedings and evidence seizure

The Supreme Court will hold an extraordinary session to review the case. Prosecutors allege Bolsonaro and his son plotted to obstruct justice through “hostile acts.” During the raid, police confiscated over $14,000 in cash and Bolsonaro’s smartphone.

Heightened Brazil-US political tensions

The raid intensifies a diplomatic dispute after Trump threatened Brazil with a 50% import tariff, condemning Bolsonaro’s prosecution as a “witch hunt.” President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva denounced foreign interference, strengthening his domestic support by appealing to national sovereignty.

Trump has publicly criticised the Brazilian government as a “ridiculous censorship regime” and demanded an immediate end to Bolsonaro’s trial.

Explainer: The roots of the crisis

After narrowly losing the 2022 election to Lula, Bolsonaro’s supporters violently attacked government buildings, urging a military coup. While Bolsonaro denies direct involvement, he has been linked to efforts to delegitimize Brazil’s electoral system.

The Supreme Court accuses him and allies of “hostile acts” aimed at destabilicing democracy. This case parallels Trump’s prosecution over the January 6 Capitol riot, with both leaders claiming political persecution.

What lies ahead?

Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants face charges including “armed criminal association” and plotting to overthrow democracy, carrying potential sentences of up to 40 years.

The defence will submit closing arguments before a five-judge panel decides the verdict. Bolsonaro remains barred from running or holding office in next year’s presidential election.