- Brazilian Supreme Court cites “blatant confession” of crimes by Jair and Eduardo Bolsonaro.
- Bolsonaro placed under curfew, fitted with ankle monitor, and barred from foreign contacts.
- Justice Moraes links the Bolsonaros’ acts to obstruction of justice and coercion.
- Trump calls Bolsonaro’s trial a “Witch Hunt,” warns of 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods.
- Bolsonaro responds, calling the court’s actions “supreme humiliation.”
Supreme Court Accuses Bolsonaros of Obstruction and Coercion
The Brazilian Supreme Court has released a ruling outlining serious accusations against former President Jair Bolsonaro and his son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, according to a report by Agência Brasil. Justice Alexandre de Moraes stated the two made a “blatant confession” of criminal conduct to obstruct investigations and coerce judicial authorities.
Justice Moraes identified violations including coercion during proceedings, obstruction of justice involving a criminal organization, and violent abolition of the democratic rule of law. The ruling references televised interviews and social media posts—including Eduardo’s support of U.S. tariffs—as evidence of deliberate acts aimed at undermining Brazil’s institutions.
As reported by Agência Brasil, the court imposed the following restrictions: Bolsonaro must remain at home during nights and weekends, wear an electronic ankle tag, and avoid all contact with ambassadors, embassies, and even his son Eduardo.
Bolsonaro Calls It “Supreme Humiliation”
Speaking to reporters after his electronic monitoring appointment at Brasília’s penitentiary authority, Bolsonaro described the Supreme Court’s actions as a “supreme humiliation.” He denied any intent to flee the country, despite the February 2024 seizure of his passport, and dismissed the coup investigation as “political” and lacking evidence.
“I never thought of leaving Brazil, I never thought of going to an embassy,” he told reporters. Bolsonaro also confirmed that authorities found $14,000 and BRL 8,000 in cash at his home, which he said was personal money, but declined to explain a USB stick found in his bathroom, stating, “I have no knowledge of it.”
Trump Defends Bolsonaro, Warns Brazil of Tariff Retaliation
On July 9, U.S. President Donald Trump sent an official letter to President Lula da Silva, condemning Bolsonaro’s prosecution as an “international disgrace.” Trump warned that his administration would impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian goods starting August 1, 2025, unless the case was dropped.
— President Donald J. Trump
Trump also denounced censorship measures imposed on U.S.-based social platforms by Brazilian courts. In a Truth Social post, Trump said Bolsonaro was facing the same “politically motivated persecution” that he himself endures in the U.S. and called the legal actions a “WITCH HUNT.”
Background: Ongoing Coup Investigation
The Brazilian Prosecutor-General’s Office is pursuing charges against Bolsonaro and seven others for allegedly attempting a coup d’état to remain in power after losing the 2022 election to Lula. The case also examines their role in the violent January 8, 2023 riots, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, in scenes widely compared to the U.S. Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.
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