Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Placed Under House Arrest Amid Coup Allegations

Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes has mandated house arrest for former President Jair Bolsonaro due to non-compliance with court orders amidst ongoing allegations of a coup conspiracy, which Bolsonaro denies.

In a significant legal development, Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered former president Jair Bolsonaro to serve house arrest as he navigates serious allegations of involvement in a coup attempt. This move has sparked a national debate, especially as Bolsonaro continues to proclaim his innocence.

Judge Alexandre de Moraes, responsible for overseeing the investigation, cited Bolsonaro's failure to adhere to earlier restraining orders as a primary reason for this drastic measure. The federal judge noted that Bolsonaro had utilized social media to disseminate messages that allegedly incite attacks against the Supreme Court and support for foreign intervention in Brazil’s judiciary.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the situation, labeling Bolsonaro's legal troubles a "witch-hunt." Trump's response has been to impose 50% tariffs on selected Brazilian goods, a decision that is particularly striking given that the US currently enjoys a trade surplus with Brazil.

In a demonstration of continued support, pro-Bolsonaro rallies took place across various Brazilian cities over the weekend. One notable moment included Bolsonaro's son, Flávio Bolsonaro, momentarily allowing his father to speak to the crowd from a distance via phone. However, Flávio later withdrew a controversial video of the interaction, signifying the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the former president's situation.

As part of the house arrest conditions, Bolsonaro has been restricted from having visitors beyond his legal representatives and is banned from utilizing mobile phones directly or indirectly. He is also under strict orders to wear an ankle monitor and adhere to a curfew, with existing limitations on his social media activities and communication with his son Eduardo, who has been lobbying US officials in favor of his father.

These preventative measures come amidst allegations that Bolsonaro attempted to solicit external influence in his legal circumstances, particularly involving connections to Trump.

This unfolding legal saga remains dynamic, with developments continuing to arise as the case progresses.