Brazil's supreme court decides to impose legal restrictions on ex-president Bolsonaro

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (L, front) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)

BRASILIA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the measures include nightly house arrest on weekdays, full-time house arrest on weekends and holidays, wearing an electronic ankle monitor, and a ban on contacting foreign diplomats or visiting embassies and consulates, the supreme court said in a press release.

According to the release, the former president and his son had lobbied in the United States to solicit sanctions against Brazilian officials.

The justice stated that Brazil's sovereignty will never be negotiated, reaffirming the supreme court's determination to defend democratic and constitutional principles.

The decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian exports effective Aug. 1. Trump linked the hefty tariffs to the ongoing legal proceedings against Bolsonaro. ■

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reacts during a special session at the Brazilian Senate in Brasilia, Brazil, July 17, 2025. A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) leaves the headquarters of Criminal Police of Brazil where he was fitted with an electronic anklet for monitoring, in Brasilia, Brazil, on July 18, 2025. A justice of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Friday decided to impose strict legal restrictions on former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo Bolsonaro for coercion, obstruction of justice, and attack on national sovereignty.(Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)