Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, was taken into federal police custody recently, ending months of house arrest. This development comes as he appeals a Supreme Court conviction related to a coup plot. His lawyer, Celso Vilardi, confirmed the detention but did not specify why he was taken in. Early Saturday morning, Bolsonaro underwent intake examinations with federal police in Brasilia.
The decision for his custody came from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. He expressed concerns that a planned supporters’ vigil could disrupt police monitoring of Bolsonaro’s house arrest. Justice Moraes also noted evidence that Bolsonaro’s ankle monitor had been tampered with the night before.
In his ruling, Moraes emphasized the risk of the gathering leading to an escape. He pointed out that Bolsonaro had considered seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy in Brasilia. Significantly, Bolsonaro’s son and other allies have left Brazil to evade legal consequences.
In September, Bolsonaro received a 27-year prison sentence for orchestrating a coup after losing the election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Although the courts have yet to issue a final arrest order, Bolsonaro is appealing the conviction.
For over 100 days, Bolsonaro was under house arrest for violating measures tied to another case, where he allegedly sought U.S. help to undermine the legal actions against him. Notably, during his presidency, U.S. President Donald Trump referred to this legal pursuit as a “witch hunt,” imposing sanctions on Justice Moraes and enacting tariffs on several Brazilian goods.
Even while under house arrest, Bolsonaro maintained communication with political allies, despite being barred from social media. His son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, encouraged supporters to rally outside their family home, promising to “fight back and rescue Brazil.” If his legal appeals are unsuccessful, Bolsonaro’s team is likely to seek permission for him to serve his sentence under house arrest due to health issues. He has a history of medical problems stemming from a stabbing incident during his 2018 campaign.
This situation has drawn interest on social media, with reactions showcasing deep divides among the Brazilian public. Supporters express unwavering loyalty, while opponents highlight concerns over the undermining of democratic processes.
As this saga unfolds, many experts in political science note the growing tension within Brazil’s political landscape. According to a recent survey, public opinion on Bolsonaro remains sharply polarized, with approximately 40% of Brazilians still supporting him, despite legal challenges. This scenario reflects a broader global trend where populist leaders face significant scrutiny yet retain strong backing from dedicated followers.
For more information, you can read a detailed analysis on the situation from the [Council on Foreign Relations](https://www.cfr.org). Understanding this context is vital for grasping the unfolding political drama in Brazil.
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