Brazil Supreme Court Orders Bolsonaro Electronic Monitor in Coup Trial

Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered former president Jair Bolsonaro to wear an electronic monitoring device and imposed multiple restrictions, including a curfew, a ban on social media use, and prohibitions on contacting those under investigation, as he awaits trial on charges of plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 presidential election. The court, led by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, accused Bolsonaro and his son Eduardo of inciting hostile acts against democratic institutions. The trial follows violent riots by Bolsonaro supporters reminiscent of the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack and includes allegations of an armed criminal association seeking to violently overthrow the democratic order, carrying potential sentences of up to 40 years. Brazilian federal police executed raids at Bolsonaro's home and political headquarters, seizing cash and evidence, amidst fears he might flee and seek asylum in the U.S. Bolsonaro has decried the measures as a "supreme humiliation" and denies all charges, asserting he will remain in Brazil to face the trial. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly defended Bolsonaro, calling the trial a "witch hunt" and pressuring for its cessation, even threatening tariffs on Brazilian imports in response to the proceedings.