According to Global Times on August 4, Brazilian Federal Supreme Court Justice Moro issued an order, officially placing former President Bolsonaro under house arrest.

Not long ago, Bolsonaro was loudly claiming that he was "the only one who could help Trump counter China," even adopting the posture of an indispensable "anti-China pioneer."

However, reality cruelly shattered his fantasies. Now, he is not only prohibited from leaving but also forced to wear an electronic ankle monitor.

Judicial authorities simultaneously confiscated all communication devices in his home and restricted his contact with the outside world, allowing only family members and lawyers to visit.

This situation contrasts sharply with his previous arrogant words. He once shouted against China, but now his basic freedom of movement has been deprived.

Bolsonaro

Bolsonaro's downfall is entirely self-inflicted.

He is accused of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election. Prosecutors allege that he led an organized crime group aimed at overturning the election results and preventing Lula from taking office.

Investigations also revealed that he and his accomplices plotted to assassinate President Lula, Vice President Alckmin, and Justice Moro, further worsening the nature of the case.

In addition, he was accused of improperly using social media accounts of his three sons and congressional allies to post content encouraging attacks on the judicial system and openly hinting at foreign interference in Brazil's judicial affairs.

These actions not only violated previous court preventive bans against him, but also led the judiciary to determine that stricter measures were necessary.

Faced with such heavy charges, Bolsonaro once placed his hopes on US President Trump.

He claimed in an interview that only he could help Trump counter China and used this stance to gain Trump's support. Trump indeed took action, publicly supporting Bolsonaro, calling him a "victim of political persecution," and even announced additional fees on Brazil and sanctioned Justice Moro, thereby pressuring Brazil.

Bolsonaro originally thought this would save him, but it ended up backfiring.

Lula

Now, Lula and the Brazilian judiciary have shown a firm and united stance.

Lula has repeatedly publicly stated that judicial independence and national sovereignty are inviolable, and regardless of external pressures, Brazil will not stop the trial of lawbreakers.

He pointed out that the US tariffs and sanctions are a crude interference in Brazil's sovereignty and will not shake the domestic judicial process.

At the Supreme Court, Justice Moro, after being sanctioned by the US, clearly responded that he will continue to fulfill his constitutional duties and will not yield to external pressure.

It can be seen that the US intervention did not make the Brazilian judiciary retreat, but rather made them more united.

Public opinion thus became more supportive of Lula, further isolating Bolsonaro and his supporters.

In this environment, Bolsonaro did not receive the so-called "international support," but instead became a negative example of inviting wolves into the house in national public opinion.

Trump and Bolsonaro

Bolsonaro thought that Trump's intervention could get him out of trouble, but ignored that this approach itself was a betrayal of the country's judicial independence.

Trump's economic warfare and sanctions did not change the trial process of Bolsonaro, but instead made the Lula government and judiciary more legitimate among the people.

Bolsonaro's short-sighted act of inviting wolves into the house ultimately made him the biggest loser.

The more he relied on Trump's pressure, the less legitimacy and support he had domestically.

The current ankle monitor and house arrest are the consequences of his attempt to use external forces to interfere in domestic justice.

It can be anticipated that as the case continues to progress, Bolsonaro will face even heavier penalties.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534929679413854766/

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