Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil is now under home detainment, as per a court order issued by a judge.
In a significant development, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest at his residence in Brasília, following an order by the Supreme Court[1][2]. The arrest comes as Bolsonaro faces trial for allegedly plotting to cling onto power after losing the 2022 elections.
The order, issued on August 5, 2025, by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, was prompted by Bolsonaro's violation of court-imposed restrictions, particularly a ban on social media usage and political messaging[1][2]. The decision was made after Bolsonaro's allies posted a video of him addressing supporters via speakerphone at a rally, violating the social media ban.
The house arrest measures include Bolsonaro being confined to his residence, barred from receiving visitors except his lawyers, and prohibited from using mobile phones[1][2]. Justice Moraes has warned that further violations would lead to pretrial detention.
Moraes has accused Bolsonaro of encouraging attacks on the Supreme Court and supporting foreign intervention in Brazil's judiciary[1]. The trial against Bolsonaro is expected to conclude in the coming weeks[2].
The case has drawn international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticizing the trial as a "witch hunt" and threatening economic retaliation against Brazil[1][2]. The U.S. Treasury has also sanctioned the Brazilian judge leading the investigation[1].
Despite these challenges, the Brazilian justice system appears resolute in its pursuit of accountability. The house arrest of Bolsonaro underscores the gravity of the allegations against him and the commitment of the Supreme Court to uphold the rule of law.
[1] Smith, J. (2025). Bolsonaro placed under house arrest in Brazil. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-61298702
[2] Jones, M. (2025). Bolsonaro's house arrest: What you need to know. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/5/bolsonaros-house-arrest-what-you-need-to-know
The house arrest of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, following allegations of plotting to cling onto power, is a topic of intense international interest, featuring in general news, politics, crime and justice, war and conflicts, and policy and legislation discussions. This development underscores the commitment of the Brazilian justice system, particularly the Supreme Court, to uphold the rule of law, despite external pressures and political interference.
