Charges Against Eduardo Bolsonaro Highlight Political Turmoil in Brazil

Thu Oct 16 2025 08:38:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President, faces coercion charges, adding to the nation's political upheaval after his father's coup conviction.

Brazil's chief prosecutor has charged Eduardo Bolsonaro with coercion, alleging he prioritizes personal interests over the country's welfare. This decision follows the recent sentencing of his father, Jair Bolsonaro, to 27 years imprisonment for plotting a coup. The case raises significant concerns about political motivations behind the charges, as Eduardo reacts by calling them 'bogus' and claims to be a victim of political persecution.

Brazil's chief prosecutor has charged the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro with coercion, according to an official statement on Monday.

The attorney general's office has alleged Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman, repeatedly acted to subject the interests of the republic to personal and family agendas, threatening Brazil with sanctions from foreign governments.

In reaction, the congressman declared these charges 'bogus' on social media, expressing outrage over accusations of obstruction of justice.

This indictment comes shortly after the elder Bolsonaro, who served from January 2019 to December 2022, was sentenced to 27 years imprisonment for attempting to overturn electoral results.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, residing in the United States, voiced concerns about political persecution, asserting he learned of the charges through the media.

Prosecutors plan to seek 'compensation for damages resulting from the criminal actions', while businessman Paulo Figueiredo, grandson of Brazil's last military dictator, has also been implicated.

Having relocated to the US earlier this year, Eduardo described his situation as 'exile' due to fears of arrest if he returned to Brazil.

He has actively sought support for his father's release from the Trump administration, which equated the legal proceedings against Jair Bolsonaro to a 'witch hunt'.

Amid these events, US President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, a move that current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized as irrational.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced additional actions aimed at pressuring Brazil over the elder Bolsonaro's conviction, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations.

The political landscape in Brazil remains complicated, especially with Jair Bolsonaro's recent coup conviction sparking protests against potential amnesty legislation that has drawn public criticism as the 'Banditry Bill'. President Lula reaffirmed his commitment to veto any such proposals, emphasizing the public's desire for accountability.