Bolsonaro Under House Arrest Amid Coup Plot Allegations
Judge Alexandre de Moraes has ordered enhanced police surveillance outside the residence of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro following a Supreme Court ruling for his house arrest over coup plot allegations, reports 24brussels.
Bolsonaro faces accusations related to an attempted coup after his 2022 election loss, which he vehemently denies. The judge’s decision follows Bolsonaro’s non-compliance with precautionary measures established last month, including restrictions on his social media activity.
Currently under house arrest in Brasília, Bolsonaro is set to confront the final phase of his trial next week, wherein he risks receiving a life sentence. The judge mandated 24-hour surveillance due to concerns raised by parliamentary leader Lindbergh Farias, who asserted that Bolsonaro may attempt to flee to the U.S. Embassy.
Bolsonaro is confined to a villa in Brasília that he shares with his wife, Michele, and their children. Recent disclosures from the Federal Police revealed the existence of an unaddressed and undated draft asylum request intended for Argentina’s far-right president, Javier Milei, found on Bolsonaro’s cell phone.
Defense attorneys for Bolsonaro contend that the draft does not represent a definitive asylum plan but rather a proposal made to him by another party. The developments raise significant concerns regarding the former president’s intentions and the ongoing political turmoil in Brazil.