Brazilian judge places former President Bolsonaro under house arrest

(Patria) - A Brazilian judge placed former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest for violating a ban on using social media, escalating a dramatic conflict between the court and the far-right politician accused of plotting a coup, AFP reported.

Bolsonaro, an ally of US President Donald Trump, is on trial at the Supreme Court for allegedly planning to hold onto power after losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Last month, he was ordered to wear an ankle bracelet and banned from using social media after being accused of trying to obstruct the trial with fiery speeches shared online by his sons and allies.

Under the ban, third parties are prohibited from sharing his public statements.
On Sunday, Bolsonaro's (70) allies defied the court order by live-streaming a call between the former army captain and his son at a solidarity rally in Rio de Janeiro, one of several held across Brazil.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes reacted strongly, stating that the judiciary would not allow the accused to "treat them like fools" because of his "political and economic power."

Criticizing Bolsonaro's "repeated disregard" for court restrictions, he ordered him placed under house arrest at his home in the capital Brasilia. He also banned the former leader from receiving visitors, except for his lawyers, and from using any mobile phones.

The new measures were expected to be met with fury in Washington. Last week, Trump already imposed massive tariffs on Brazil and sanctioned Moraes for what he called his "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.

Thank you, Trump

Trump's pressure campaign, including 50% tariffs on a range of Brazilian products, including coffee, has endeared him to Bolsonaro's conservative base. At Sunday's rallies, some protesters waved American flags or held signs reading "Thank you, Trump."

Bolsonaro himself did not attend the rallies, as the Supreme Court ordered him to stay home at night and on weekends throughout the trial. He faces a heavy prison sentence in the trial, which is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

Moraes has become a target of hatred for the Brazilian and American right. He has repeatedly clashed with Bolsonaro, as well as with X owner Elon Musk, whom he accuses of failing to combat disinformation.