Brazil’s Bolsonaro Ordered To Wear Ankle Tag Amid Fears He May Flee During Criminal Trial

Last Updated:July 18, 2025, 20:57 IST

Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro is under trial and is accused of leading an alleged attempt to stage a coup to overturn the 2022 election.

Brazil’s Bolsonaro Ordered To Wear Ankle Tag Amid Fears He May Flee During Criminal Trial (Credit-Reuters)

Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor, authorities said on Friday, describing the decision as “a supreme humiliation."

This development occurred as federal police conducted searches at his home and his party’s headquarters in Brasília, following a Supreme Court order.

The order forbids Bolsonaro from leaving his house at night, communicating with foreign ambassadors and diplomats, or approaching embassies.

Additionally, the former president is prohibited from using social media or contacting other individuals under investigation by the Supreme Court, including his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian lawmaker who currently resides in the United States and is known for his close ties to US President Donald Trump.

‘It is a supreme humiliation’

Spaeking to the journalists, Bolsonaro said, “It is a supreme humiliation. “I never thought about leaving Brazil, I never thought about going to an embassy, but the precautionary measures are because of that."

Trump Writes To Bolsonaro

US President Donald Trump on Thursday wrote to Bolsonaro and described his ally’s treatment by the Brazilian legal system as terrible and unjust. “I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you. This trial must end immediately! I am not surprised to see you leading in the polls; you were a highly respected and strong leader who served your country well," an excerpt from the letter reads.

“I share your commitment to listening to the voice of the people and am deeply concerned about the attacks on freedom of expression — both in Brazil and in the United States — coming from the current government. I have strongly expressed my disapproval both publicly and through our tariff policy," the letter reads further.

Bolsonaro is currently on trial at the Supreme Court, accused of leading an alleged attempt to stage a coup to overturn the 2022 election, in which he was defeated by left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

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