US Criticizes House Arrest of Brazil's Former Leader Jair Bolsonaro Amid Scandal

The Supreme Court of Brazil has mandated that former President Jair Bolsonaro be placed under house arrest due to accusations of plotting a coup, which he has vehemently denied. This order was issued by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who stated that Bolsonaro's failure to adhere to prior restraining orders warranted this decision. In response, Bolsonaro's legal team asserted that they had not violated any orders and planned to challenge the ruling. The US State Department publicly condemned the court's action, emphasizing accountability for actions deemed problematic. Former US President Donald Trump, rallying behind Bolsonaro, criticized the legal proceedings as a "witch-hunt" and retaliated economically by imposing tariffs on Brazilian goods. The ruling also highlighted that Bolsonaro allegedly used social media to incite unrest against the judiciary, an action that prompted further restrictions on him. These restrictions include bans on visitors and mobile phone use, signaling the serious nature of the allegations against him.

The situation unfolds as Bolsonaro's supporters conduct rallies across Brazil, intensifying the political divide and resulting in a complex relationship with the US, whose past support for Bolsonaro contrasts sharply with recent diplomatic tensions.