Bolsonaro’s defense stated on Monday (Aug. 4) that it was surprised by the decision of Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who ordered house arrest for the former president.
According to his lawyers, Bolsonaro did not violate the precautionary measure that prohibits him from using social media, including third-party accounts.
“The defense was surprised by the house arrest order, since former President Jair Bolsonaro did not violate any measure,” the defense stated.
The lawyers stated that they will appeal the decision.
“The phrase ‘Good afternoon, Copacabana. Good afternoon, my Brazil. A hug to everyone. It’s for our freedom. We’re together’ cannot be considered a violation of the precautionary measure or a criminal act,” the lawyers argue.
Precautionary Measures
In the last month, Moraes imposed several precautionary measures on Bolsonaro, including the use of an electronic ankle bracelet and restrictions on the use of social media, including third-party accounts.
In the decision issued on Monday, the justice highlighted that Flávio Bolsonaro and the former president’s other two sons, Carlos and Eduardo, posted messages on their social media thanking supporters who attended the events on Sunday (3).
According to Moraes, this constituted a violation of the previously imposed restrictions.
The precautionary measures were issued in the context of an investigation against federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), the former president’s son, regarding his actions involving the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to promote retaliatory measures against the Brazilian government and Supreme Federal Court justices.
In March this year, Eduardo Bolsonaro took leave from his congressional term and moved to the United States, alleging political persecution.
In this case, the former president is being investigated for allegedly financing his son’s stay abroad.
Bolsonaro is also a defendant in a Supreme Federal Court case regarding a coup plot, with trial scheduled for September.
Source: Agência Brasil