Brazil’s Supreme Court Places Bolsonaro Under House Arrest — US Condemns

At around 1 a.m. on August 5, Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to be placed under house arrest as part of the case related to the alleged coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 elections. The decision was issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, citing Bolsonaro’s repeated violations of previous restrictions, including a ban on using social media and the requirement to wear an electronic ankle monitor. The court also prohibited him from using a mobile phone and receiving visitors except for lawyers and individuals approved by the court.

The US State Department issued a strong condemnation of the ruling, stating that Justice de Moraes, who has already been sanctioned by the US, is using judicial institutions to suppress the opposition and undermine democratic norms. The statement emphasized that the United States ‘will hold accountable all those who contribute to such actions.’

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, calling the legal process against Bolsonaro a ‘witch hunt’ and linking the trade measure directly to the case. The US also froze the assets of Justice de Moraes and banned him from entering the country, accusing him of violating freedom of speech and engaging in arbitrary detentions — an action that Brazil described as ‘unacceptable interference’ in its internal affairs.

Supporters of Bolsonaro organized large protests across the country, with many demonstrating against the judicial system. Bolsonaro’s lawyers announced their intention to appeal the court’s ruling, arguing that the restrictions were unjust.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva supported the court’s decision, calling it necessary to protect the constitutional order, while condemning US involvement and affirming the country’s sovereignty.

On July 18, 2025, police raided Bolsonaro’s home and placed an electronic ankle monitor on him, banning him from using social media or contacting diplomats and other defendants. On August 4, 2025, Justice de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro’s house arrest after reviewing violations of the previous restrictions. Earlier, on July 9, 2025, President Trump announced the 50% tariff on Brazilian goods in response to this case, escalating a diplomatic dispute.