The Attorney General’s Office of Brazil has until today to respond to the arguments submitted by the defence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, within the framework of the investigation into alleged breaches of precautionary measures.
The deadline was set by Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees several cases involving the former president, including proceedings related to the attempted coup on 8 January 2023 in Brasilia.
Bolsonaro’s defence team, while he remains under house arrest, insists that the former leader violated none of the judicial restrictions, while accusing the Federal Police of conducting an inquiry for political purposes aimed at weakening his public and electoral standing.
The former head of state faces multiple legal proceedings, including alleged forgery of Covid-19 vaccination certificates, irregular appropriation of jewels received as official gifts, and responsibility for attacks on democratic institutions.
Among other measures, De Moraes has prohibited Bolsonaro from using social media to spread messages that could incite political destabilisation, as well as requiring him to remain in the country and appear before the courts when summoned.
Failure to comply with these provisions could worsen the legal situation of the former Army captain, who is already politically disqualified until 2030 following a decision by the Superior Electoral Court due to improper use of state structures for electoral advantage.
Prosecutors must now assess whether the evidence provided by the defence is sufficient to dismiss the contempt charge or whether, on the contrary, a new indictment against Bolsonaro should proceed.
The government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is observing the case’s development cautiously, aware that a tougher judicial stance against the former paratrooper could fuel his narrative of political persecution.
Analysts consider the decision to be made by the Attorney General’s Office this Monday a key indicator of the depth and direction of the investigations, as well as its impact on Brazilian democratic stability.
The Supreme Court, with De Moraes leading the investigation, maintains that the precautionary measures aim to preserve public order and ensure that the former president answers to justice without obstructing the course of the inquiries.
Bolsonaro, meanwhile, continues to deny any responsibility for the events of 8 January, when thousands of his supporters invaded and destroyed the headquarters of the Three Powers in Brasilia.
