Brazilian Court Orders Electronic Ankle Bracelet for Former President Bolsonaro… "Shaking the Country Through the U.S."

[Financial News]  


The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle bracelet on the 18th (local time).

Former President Bolsonaro was ordered this on the grounds that he is undermining national sovereignty and shaking the country by relying on U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Trump has stated that he would impose a 50% reciprocal tariff on Brazil, a country with a trade deficit with the U.S., citing the trial of the former president as one of the reasons, claiming it is political persecution.

Currently on trial for charges such as plotting a coup, coercion during trial, and obstruction of investigation, Bolsonaro is known as a far-right figure with the nickname "Trump of South America."

The Brazilian Supreme Court explained in a press release that Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the temporary measure of attaching an electronic ankle bracelet after reviewing police applications and prosecution requests.

As a temporary measure on this day, Bolsonaro was ordered to house arrest, wear an electronic ankle bracelet, and was prohibited from contacting foreign ambassadors and government officials through social media, and from approaching foreign embassy and consulate buildings.

Currently, the Brazilian police are investigating Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman, for allegedly engaging in hostile acts against the state, such as making illegal deals with foreign countries to shake the Federal Supreme Court.

Justice de Moraes believes they attempted to shake the Federal Supreme Court by enticing and inciting foreign governments.

Bolsonaro was indicted for plotting a coup with his ministers and inciting supporters to riot in protest of the 2023 election results on January 8th, after losing the 2022 presidential election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

During his tenure from 2019 to 2022, he emphasized strengthening ties with Trump.

Trump described Bolsonaro's trial as an "international disgrace" and a "witch hunt," using it as one of the reasons to impose a 50% tariff on Brazil.

Although it is clear interference in internal affairs, it seems that Trump, who wants to collect tariffs from Brazil, which has a trade deficit with the U.S., used this as a pretext.

dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter