Accusations against Bolsonaro

Rubio accuses judge of “witch hunt” on Bolsonaro

The US is revoking the US visa of Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes, reports O Globo. Yesterday, the judge ordered Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of a coup, to wear an electronic anklet.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accuses de Moraes of a “political witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, who is a close ally of President Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro ruled Brazil between 2019 and 2022. He has been put on trial for trying to stage a coup d'état after losing the 2022 presidential election to leftist politician Lula da Silva, but denies the charges. 

President criticizes US: “Arbitrary and baseless”

Brazilian President Lula da Silva criticizes the US decision to revoke the visa of Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes. According to Reuters, he says the decision is arbitrary and baseless.

– I am convinced that no threats or pressure, from anyone, will affect Brazil’s most important mission – to defend and uphold the democratic rule of law.

The White House accuses the judge of conducting a “witch hunt” against ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. He is accused of trying to stage a coup d’état after losing the 2022 election.

Jair Bolsonaro — that’s the point

• Jair Bolsonaro was indicted for an attempted coup d’état after losing the 2022 election, where he is suspected of planning to retain power with the support of the military.
• After the election, Bolsonaro's supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia, leading to extensive investigations and arrests of several high-ranking military personnel and associates
• The federal police and the attorney general allege that Bolsonaro approved plans to poison President Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court judge.
• Bolsonaro has been denied leave, had his passport revoked, and has been forced to wear an electronic anklet, as well as nightly house arrest and restrictions on social media.
• Bolsonaro denies all charges, and is supported by Donald Trump, while President Lula da Silva and Brazilian authorities emphasize the importance of the legal process and the country's democratic institutions.