【By Observer News, Chen Sijia】On July 18 local time, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ruled that former Brazilian President Bolsonaro had committed acts of coercion against the judiciary, obstructed justice, and openly threatened national sovereignty, and ordered measures to restrict Bolsonaro.
According to Reuters, in response to the ruling by Brazil's Supreme Court, Bolsonaro on the 18th accused Moraes of being a "dictator," claiming that the Supreme Court was trying to prevent him from running for the 2026 Brazilian presidential election. Bolsonaro also boasted that he was "the one who could contain China," claiming he could work with U.S. President Trump to "counter China."
Bolsonaro told Reuters that the court's decision was "cowardly behavior," saying, "They want me to step out of the political game next year. In an election without me, Lula can defeat anyone." When asked about his feelings about wearing an electronic ankle monitor, he said, "I feel extremely humiliated. I am 70 years old, and I served as president of the republic for four years."
Bolsonaro denied any plans to leave Brazil, but he told Reuters that if he could retrieve his passport that was seized by Brazilian police last year, he would meet with Trump. He praised the Trump administration as "a model for Brazil": "I will never give advice to Trump. Who am I? I respect him. His country is our model, we are not their model."
Bolsonaro also exaggerated the "Chinese threat," blackened China-Brazil cooperation, and boasted that he had the ability to unite the United States to "contain Chinese influence." He claimed, "Many people think that as long as I have a belligerent nuclear power behind me, I am the person in Brazil who can stop China. Which country? The one to our north."
Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro, Reuters
Bolsonaro served as president of Brazil from 2019 to 2022, and was a close ally of Trump, known internationally as the "Tropical Trump." In October 2022, Bolsonaro lost his re-election bid but refused to accept the result, claiming there was "election fraud." In January 2023, some of Bolsonaro's supporters stormed Brazil's Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential palace, clashing with law enforcement officers.
The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court on July 18 ruled that Bolsonaro had committed acts of coercion against the judiciary, obstructed justice, and openly threatened national sovereignty, and ordered measures to restrict Bolsonaro. He must wear an electronic ankle monitor to be monitored, and cannot go out from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday to Friday, and must stay at home during weekends and holidays.
The Supreme Court also banned Bolsonaro from contacting foreign officials or diplomats, and using social media. The Supreme Court stated in a statement that Bolsonaro and his son had been in contact with U.S. government officials in recent months, attempting to push the U.S. to impose sanctions on Brazilian officials.
Trump has repeatedly publicly supported Bolsonaro. On July 9 local time, he also posted a letter on social media to counter the Brazilian government's "political witch hunt" against Bolsonaro, announcing that he would increase tariffs on Brazilian imports from 10% to 50% starting August 1.
On July 15, Trump gave a speech at the White House, once again defending Bolsonaro, claiming, "Bolsonaro is not a dishonest man, no one is satisfied with Brazil's actions, Bolsonaro is a respected president." However, when talking about their relationship, Trump said that Bolsonaro was his acquaintance, "but not a friend."
In response to Trump's comments and tariff threats, Lula, on July 17, during an interview with CNN, emphasized that Bolsonaro was facing trial for attempting to organize a coup, saying, "If Trump were Brazilian and did what happened on Capitol Hill, he would also be tried in Brazil, he may have violated the constitution."
Lula said that Trump's tariff letter was disappointing, "It's very unpleasant, I thought it was fake news." He criticized Trump, saying, "Trump was elected as the leader of the United States, not to be the 'emperor of the world'."
Brazil will hold a presidential election in 2026, and current president Lula is eligible to run for a fourth term. Reuters reported that Lula has hinted at running in the election, but has not officially announced. On July 4 local time, Lula attended an event in Rio de Janeiro and said, "Be prepared. If everything goes according to my plan, this country will have, for the first time, a president elected four times by the Brazilian people."
This article is an exclusive piece by Observer News. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
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