A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has had former president Jair Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest, placed under 24-hour police surveillance due to concern that he may try to flee the country.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes instructed federal police to “permanently monitor” the far-right leader, who faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of plotting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election to current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
De Moraes noted that Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, has been lobbying U.S. officials from the United States in an effort to gain support for his father.
The final phase of Bolsonaro’s trial is set to begin next week.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court placed Bolsonaro under house arrest, citing his failure to comply with legal conditions. The former president had already been fitted with an ankle monitor and was banned from using social media.
As part of the restrictions, Bolsonaro is now only allowed to meet his lawyers without prior permission. For all other visitors, he must obtain special authorisation.
He has also been prohibited from using any electronic devices, including his mobile phone.
