The United States has condemned the house arrest of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, following a ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Court in connection with an alleged coup plot.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing the investigation, ordered Bolsonaro’s house arrest on grounds that the former leader violated court-imposed restraining orders issued last month. Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2023, is facing trial over accusations that he conspired to overthrow the government, allegations he firmly denies.
In response, Bolsonaro’s legal team rejected the claim that he had breached any court orders and confirmed plans to appeal the decision. “We have complied with all judicial requirements,” his lawyers stated, according to Reuters.
The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from the United States. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. State Department said it “condemns” the Supreme Court’s order and pledged to “hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct.”
The statement signals growing international concern over Brazil’s handling of political and judicial processes involving former leaders.
The case has further polarized Brazil’s political landscape, with supporters of Bolsonaro denouncing what they call judicial overreach, while critics say the legal action is necessary to protect Brazil’s democratic institutions.
The development also comes amid broader investigations into efforts to challenge the legitimacy of Brazil’s 2022 presidential election, which Bolsonaro lost to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Written By Rodney Mbua
