On 4/8, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that the judiciary would not allow former President Jair Bolsonaro to "disregard court orders" due to his political and economic power.

Justice Moraes criticized Bolsonaro for repeatedly failing to comply with court restrictions during the trial, including a ban on using social media. Bolsonaro has consequently been placed under house arrest at his residence in Brasilia. Moraes also prohibited the former Brazilian president from receiving visitors, except for his lawyers, and from using his phone.

Moraes's move is expected to draw strong reactions from Bolsonaro's supporters, as well as opposition from former US President Donald Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Kissimmee, Florida, USA, in 1/2023. Photo: AFP

The Brazilian Supreme Court is trying Bolsonaro on charges of plotting a coup after he lost to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election.

Last month, Bolsonaro was ordered to wear an ankle monitor and banned from using social media after being accused of attempting to undermine the trial with online posts shared by his children and allies. The court order also prohibits third parties from sharing Bolsonaro's statements.

Bolsonaro, 70, a right-wing politician, was president of Brazil from 2019 to 2022. He was considered an ally of former US President Trump during Trump's first term and shares many similarities with the former US leader.

Trump called the trial against Bolsonaro a "witch hunt" and imposed a 50% tariff on some imports from Brazil. The US Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on Justice Moraes, who is presiding over Bolsonaro's trial.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)