The United States has publicly condemned the decision by Brazil’s Supreme Court to place former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest, amid ongoing investigations into his alleged role in plotting a coup. The move marks a sharp turn in international relations, as Washington expresses concern over what it views as potential overreach by Brazil’s judiciary.
Bolsonaro, a right-wing former military officer who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, is facing trial over accusations that he conspired to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, which saw leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva return to power. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he acted within the law and did not encourage any illegal acts.
The decision to place him under house arrest was issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is leading the investigation into the alleged coup attempt. Moraes stated that Bolsonaro had violated prior restraining orders, including bans on communicating with other suspects and leaving certain areas without permission.
Bolsonaro’s legal team has dismissed the accusations, stating he had not breached any orders and announcing plans to appeal the ruling. They argue that the court’s decision lacks solid legal grounding and is politically motivated.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US State Department issued a rare rebuke of Brazil’s judiciary, stating it “condemns” the house arrest and pledges to “hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct.” The statement did not elaborate on what “sanctioned conduct” referred to, but analysts interpret it as a warning against politically motivated legal actions.
The US government’s stance raises questions about its support for democratic institutions abroad and its evolving relationship with Bolsonaro, who has cultivated ties with American conservatives. While the Biden administration has previously supported Brazil’s democracy, its latest remarks suggest a complex geopolitical recalibration.
As the legal process unfolds, Bolsonaro’s fate remains uncertain. However, the international spotlight and now open criticism from Washington adds a new dimension to Brazil’s already turbulent political landscape. Whether the former president’s legal battles will culminate in a conviction or political redemption remains to be seen.
