Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor, the Supreme Court of the country said. The development followed federal police raids on Bolsonaro’s residence and his party’s headquarters in Brasília, carried out under the order, reported AP.
As part of the order, the former president is barred from leaving his home at night, communicating with foreign diplomats or ambassadors, or approaching embassies. He is also prohibited from using social media or contacting others under Supreme Court investigation, including his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian lawmaker living in the US with close ties to US President Donald Trump.
“It is a supreme humiliation,” said Bolsonaro after putting on the ankle monitor. “I never thought about leaving Brazil, I never thought about going to an embassy, but the precautionary measures are because of that.”
Bolsonaro is accused of staging a coup to overturn the results of the 2022 elections which he lost to left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He is currently undergoing trial at the Supreme Court.
Alexandre de Moraes, the Supreme Court Justice said there is a “concrete possibility” of Bolsonaro leaving the country. Moraes said Bolsonaro appealed to the “head of sate of a foreign nation” to interfere in Brazil’s judicial system, an act he described as a violation of national sovereignty.
US president Donald Trump earlier said that Bolsonaro, a close ally, was the victim of a “witch hunt”. "I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you. This trial should end immediately!" Trump posted in an open letter addressed to the former Brazilian President on his Truth Social platform, on Thursday.
Trump is set to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports effective from August 1 and said that he is monitoring the country “closely”. He said he is “very concerned about the attacks on free speech, both in Brazil and in the United States, coming out of the current government,” reported Bloomberg.
On Tuesday, acting on Trump’s directive, the office of the US trade representative launched an investigation into Brazil’s trade practices to determine whether the country is unfairly limiting US exports.
“Brazil will not accept anything imposed on it. We accept negotiation and not imposition,” said Brazilian president Lula da Silva as quoted by CNN. “Brazil is to take care of Brazil and take care of the Brazilian people, and not to take care of the interests of the others,” he added.
At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
Read MoreAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
Read Less