Bolsonaro’s defense stated on Monday (4) that it was surprised by the decision of Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who ordered house arrest for the former president.
According to the lawyers, Bolsonaro did not violate the precautionary measure prohibiting him from using social media, including third-party profiles.
“The defense was surprised by the house arrest order, given that former President Jair Bolsonaro did not violate any measure,” the defense said.
The lawyers also said 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 interpreted as a violation of a precautionary measure or as a criminal act,” the lawyers claim.
Background
Last month, Moraes ordered several precautionary measures against Bolsonaro, including an electronic ankle monitor and restrictions on social media use, including third-party profiles.
In today’s decision, the justice pointed out that Flávio Bolsonaro and two other sons of the former president, Carlos and Eduardo, posted on their social media accounts messages from Bolsonaro thanking supporters who attended events held yesterday (3).
As such, according to Moraes, there was a violation of the previously imposed restrictions.
The precautionary measures stem from an inquiry in which federal Deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), son of the former president, is under investigation for his involvement with the government of U.S. President Donald Trump to promote retaliatory actions against the Brazilian government and Supreme Court justices.
In March of this year, Eduardo took a leave of absence from his parliamentary term and moved to the United States, claiming political persecution.
In this case, the former president is being investigated for sending funds via Pix to cover his son’s stay abroad. Bolsonaro is also a defendant in the Supreme Court criminal case involving the coup plot.
The trial is set for September.
Source: Agência Brasil