Bolsonaro denies flouting court orders in coup trial

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Aug 2025 11:59
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Brazil’s Supreme Court prepares a September ruling as prosecutors present fresh evidence linking Jair Bolsonaro to an attempted coup and possible escape plans.

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Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro, temporarily allowed out of house arrest for medical exams, leaves a hospital in Brasília, Brazil, Saturday, August 16, 2025. (AP)

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro’s legal team denied on Friday that he violated restrictions linked to his house arrest during his trial over an attempted coup. In a submission to the Supreme Court, his lawyers accused the police of seeking to “discredit” him.

Bolsonaro, 70, is accused of attempting to retain power after losing the 2022 election to his leftist successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He has been under house arrest since early August, following a judicial order accusing him of breaching a ban on social media use. The restrictions also bar third parties from sharing his public statements.

Federal police reported that Bolsonaro repeatedly ignored the restrictions. They cited an analysis of a seized mobile phone indicating that he allegedly communicated with other defendants and shared up to 300 videos of support rallies in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro via WhatsApp.

Authorities also discovered a 33-page draft of a “request for political asylum” to Argentine President Javier Milei, dated just days after the coup investigation began in February 2024.

Defense claims 'political targeting'

Bolsonaro’s lawyers described the police report as “a political piece, aimed at discrediting a former president of the Republic who…is still a political leader.” They added, “In other words, it is ongoing ‘lawfare,’” referring to legal warfare used as a political tool.

The defense maintained that Bolsonaro complied with all court orders, remaining at his residence even before an electronic ankle bracelet was mandated. They further argued, “A draft asylum request to the Argentine president, dating from February 2024, cannot be considered evidence of escape.”

It is worth noting that the Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in September. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison.

The case has underscored US meddling in Brazil’s internal politics, with President Donald Trump denouncing the trial as a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro. Trump doubled down and imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports and sanctioned Brazilian judges.