In Brazil, a Supreme Court judge has placed former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest after he violated a court-imposed social media ban. The order came after Bolsonaro’s supporters shared video footage of him speaking with his son during a solidarity rally, defying strict restrictions in place during his ongoing trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election results.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, overseeing the case, cited Bolsonaro’s repeated disregard for court rules and imposed additional sanctions, including a ban on visitors—except his lawyers—and a restriction on mobile phone use. Police also seized multiple phones from Bolsonaro’s home in Brasilia, where he will remain under house arrest.
The development has sparked international backlash, with the U.S. State Department condemning the restrictions and accusing the Brazilian judiciary of using its powers to silence opposition. The U.S. has previously sanctioned Justice de Moraes for alleged human rights violations and hinted at further action against those involved in what it called undemocratic practices.
