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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been placed under a court-ordered nighttime curfew and is required to wear an electronic ankle monitor as investigations into his alleged role in an attempted coup continue to unfold. The decision, issued by the Supreme Federal Court, is part of a broader inquiry into efforts to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office following the 2022 elections.
The ruling also includes restrictions on Bolsonaro's use of social media and prohibits contact with key individuals, including his son, federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro. Federal police raided several locations linked to the former president shortly before the court's decision, signaling the seriousness of the investigation.
According to an 884-page federal report, Bolsonaro was not only aware of the alleged plot but was directly involved in attempts to subvert the democratic transition of power. The report links him to a broader group accused of organizing and inciting the January 8, 2023, attack on government buildings by supporters contesting the election results.
The legal measures against Bolsonaro have sparked international attention. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the charges, calling them politically motivated. In a controversial move, Trump announced the revocation of U.S. visas for Brazilian judicial officials and threatened economic retaliation through new tariffs.
President Lula responded firmly, defending Brazil's democratic institutions and emphasizing the country's legal sovereignty. He stated that any trade actions by the U.S. would be met with reciprocal measures.
Despite the mounting legal pressure, Bolsonaro maintains his innocence and has expressed his intention to remain active in Brazilian politics. However, with charges including coup plotting and participation in a criminal organization, his political future remains highly uncertain.
This case marks a significant test of Brazil's democratic resilience and could set a legal precedent for how the country addresses threats to its constitutional order.
