IntelScoops

São Paulo — August 4, 2025

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to be placed under house arrest, escalating his legal battle over an alleged plot to subvert the country’s democratic transition following the 2022 election.

The decision, issued on Monday, comes as Bolsonaro faces trial for reportedly leading a criminal conspiracy aimed at preventing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming office after defeating him at the polls. The house arrest replaces previous restrictions, which included the use of an electronic ankle monitor, a curfew, and a ban on public appearances without court approval.

The court cited repeated non-compliance with judicial orders and growing concerns about Bolsonaro’s influence over ongoing investigations.

Allegations of a Coordinated Coup Plot

Bolsonaro stands accused of orchestrating a plan involving military officials and political allies to reject the results of the 2022 presidential election. Investigators say the conspiracy included a proposed military intervention and the drafting of decrees intended to overturn the democratic process.

Prosecutors also allege that Bolsonaro planned to arrest Supreme Court justices and electoral officials, including Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over the case.

Public Demonstrations and Political Tensions

The court’s decision has deepened political divisions across Brazil. Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters gathered in cities including Brasília and Rio de Janeiro in recent days, holding rallies demanding “amnesty” for alleged coup participants and denouncing the judiciary.

While Bolsonaro did not attend the demonstrations in person, he addressed supporters through a live video message from his residence, calling the charges “a political persecution.”

President Lula’s administration has defended the court’s independence, calling the proceedings a test of Brazil’s commitment to constitutional rule.

Global Repercussions

The case has triggered international reactions, including a sharp rebuke from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has described the charges as a “witch hunt.” In response to Bolsonaro’s legal troubles, the Trump administration-in-exile has announced economic measures against Brazilian officials, including sanctions targeting Justice Moraes.

Meanwhile, Brazil has condemned what it sees as external interference in its legal process, with President Lula warning that the country “will not be intimidated by foreign pressure.”

What Comes Next

Under house arrest, Bolsonaro must remain at his designated residence and is forbidden from contacting other defendants or commenting publicly on the case. A trial date is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

If convicted of criminal conspiracy and related offenses, Bolsonaro could face decades in prison, a prospect that would mark a dramatic fall for the far-right leader who once dominated Brazilian politics.

As the country braces for the outcome of this unprecedented case, many Brazilians see the trial as a defining moment for democracy in South America’s largest nation.