Latest news with #Bolsonaro
The Star
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Lawyers for Brazil's Bolsonaro say he did not violate social media ban
BRASILIA (Reuters) -Lawyers for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that he did not violate a court-ordered social media ban, after the top judge accused him of breaching the order and demanded an explanation from his lawyers. In a document sent to Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing an investigation into allegations that Bolsonaro plotted a coup, Bolsonaro's lawyers asked the court to clarify the exact scope of the social media ban. Moraes ordered the ban on Friday, along with mandating he wear an ankle bracelet, among other measures, alleging he courted the interference of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has tied steep new tariffs on Brazilian goods to what he called a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro. On Monday, Moraes accused Bolsonaro of violating the order by giving an interview to journalists, pointing to clips the news outlets later posted on their social media accounts. The judge gave Bolsonaro's legal team 24 hours to explain the media appearance, warning that failure to comply could lead to an arrest warrant. Earlier on Monday, Moraes had issued a clarification of Friday's ruling, which stated that Bolsonaro's use of social media included use through third parties. The clarification generated debate among legal experts regarding if it would include interviews to news outlets. Bolsonaro's lawyers on Tuesday argued that media outlets sharing his remarks on social media was an "uncontrollable" development beyond their client's control. They have asked the justice to clarify the exact scope of the order and whether it prohibits giving interviews to the press. The lawyers added that Bolsonaro will make no further public remarks until the court provides that clarification. (Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by Sarah Morland and Brendan O'Boyle)
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Lawyers for Brazil's Bolsonaro say he did not violate social media ban
BRASILIA - Lawyers for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that he did not violate a court-ordered social media ban, after the top judge accused him of breaching the order and demanded an explanation from his lawyers. In a document sent to Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing an investigation into allegations that Bolsonaro plotted a coup, Bolsonaro's lawyers asked the court to clarify the exact scope of the social media ban. Moraes ordered the ban on Friday, along with mandating he wear an ankle bracelet, among other measures, alleging he courted the interference of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has tied steep new tariffs on Brazilian goods to what he called a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro. On Monday, Moraes accused Bolsonaro of violating the order by giving an interview to journalists, pointing to clips the news outlets later posted on their social media accounts. The judge gave Bolsonaro's legal team 24 hours to explain the media appearance, warning that failure to comply could lead to an arrest warrant. Earlier on Monday, Moraes had issued a clarification of Friday's ruling, which stated that Bolsonaro's use of social media included use through third parties. The clarification generated debate among legal experts regarding if it would include interviews to news outlets. Bolsonaro's lawyers on Tuesday argued that media outlets sharing his remarks on social media was an "uncontrollable" development beyond their client's control. They have asked the justice to clarify the exact scope of the order and whether it prohibits giving interviews to the press. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The lawyers added that Bolsonaro will make no further public remarks until the court provides that clarification. REUTERS
Miami Herald
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
As Bolsonaro defies Brazil's courts, Trump and Rubio escalate U.S. pressure
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of President Donald Trump in Latin America and a divisive figure across the region, is facing mounting legal troubles in his home country as Brazil's Supreme Court threatened to order his arrest over alleged violations of a court-imposed social media ban. The Supreme Court issued the warning despite Trump's threat to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports starting Aug. 1 unless the South American country halts the prosecution of Bolsonaro. Florida, which imports billions of dollars in goods from Brazil each year, could be hit hard by the 50% tariffs. The Sunshine State relies on Brazil for key commodities like coffee and orange juice. Trade experts warn that the tariffs could significantly raise prices for everyday consumers and spark retaliatory moves. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the judge overseeing the case against Bolsonaro for allegedly plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election, issued the warning Monday evening, giving Bolsonaro's legal team 24 hours to explain why their client breached a court order. The showdown between Bolsonaro and the judiciary in Brazil has triggered an international backlash, including dramatic moves by Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — both of whom have framed the case as political persecution On Friday, Moraes had ordered Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle monitor and banned him from using social media, citing allegations that he had solicited help from Trump and others to interfere in Brazil's democratic process. The order was upheld by a court panel. In a defiant interview with Reuters later that day, Bolsonaro called the restrictions 'cowardice' and pledged to continue speaking to the press, suggesting he would not be silenced — despite the explicit ban on any digital dissemination of his remarks. By Monday, Bolsonaro had seemingly crossed a line. After meeting with congressional allies in Brasília, the former president gave remarks to journalists, publicly showing his ankle bracelet for the first time. The footage — later reposted by supporters and news outlets to social media — appears to have triggered Moraes' latest legal response. 'The dissemination of audio, video, or transcripts of interviews on any third-party social media platform is prohibited,' Moraes clarified in a written decision. He also attached screenshots showing Bolsonaro's speech being shared online. The escalating legal saga has drawn furious responses from Bolsonaro's allies in the United States, including Trump and Rubio, both of whom have taken unprecedented steps in defense of the former president. Last week, Rubio announced immediate visa bans on Justice de Moraes and his family, calling the court proceedings a 'witch hunt.' Trump went further. In a letter dated July 9, he announced his intent to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports starting August 1 — unless Brazil halts Bolsonaro's prosecution. Trump's letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva claimed Brazil's trade policies created 'unsustainable trade deficits.' But official U.S. data contradicts that assertion. In fact, America has run a trade surplus with Brazil for 18 years — most recently totaling $7.4 billion. Critics argue that Trump's real motivation isn't trade at all. In the first paragraph of his letter, he blasts Brazil's treatment of Bolsonaro, calling it 'an international disgrace' and demanding that the trial be canceled. Ironically, Trump's tariffs could backfire. Brazil's cattle and coffee industries, both Bolsonaro strongholds, stand to suffer most from the trade war. Meanwhile, Lula's leftist government is using the conflict to rally national support and position itself as the defender of Brazil's sovereignty.
News18
10 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Trump Administration Revokes Visas Of Brazilian Judges Citing ‘Witch-Hunt' Against Bolsonaro
The former President of Brazil is currently facing trial for his involvement in an alleged attempted coup. The United States' administration under President Donald Trump has announced plans to deal with Brazilian judges who ruled against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated the administration's decision to revoke the travel visas of the eight judges in an official notice. The restrictions were imposed after the US administration found the judicial members responsible for a 'political witch-hunt" against Bolsonaro. After the notice was issued, it has now become difficult for the eight judges involved in the matter and their immediate family members to travel to the US. The move comes as a strong protest against their treatment of Bolsonaro, who is considered to be an ally of the US President. Rubio, in the official notice, has accused Alexandre de Moraes, a judge at the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court, of creating a sweeping 'persecution and censorship complex," which aims to violate the basic rights of Brazilians, and Americans, in the long run. While Rubio has not named the other judges, a new report by Brazilian daily O Globo has identified the other victims to be Luís Roberto Barroso, José Antonio Dias Toffoli, Cristiano Zanin, Flávio Dino, Cármen Lúcia Antunes Rocha, Luiz Edson Fachin, and Gilmar Ferreira Mendes. The former President of Brazil is currently facing trial for his involvement in an alleged attempted coup in 2022 election. Starting last week, the police have made a move to restrict Bolsonaro from absconding by fitting an electronic tag to him. However, Trump believes that his prosecution is unjust. In a letter sent to Bolsonaro, as per Daily Beast, Trump wrote, 'I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you." Before introducing visa restrictions, Trump had reportedly repeatedly tried to pressure the federal judges in Brazil. In this regard, he also announced on July 9 the imposition of 50% tariffs on all Brazilian imports starting August 1. However, his move triggered anger in the South American country, where the action was described as 'unacceptable blackmail." The current President of Brazil, Lácio Lula da Silva has criticised the actions of the US government. He said, 'Interference in another country's justice system is unacceptable and offends the basic principles of national sovereignty and respect between nations." view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 20:12 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
eNCA
10 hours ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Brazilian judge threatens Bolsonaro over speech shared on social media
A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has threatened former president Jair Bolsonaro with imprisonment, arguing that the sharing of a speech of his by online users was a "violation" of a social media ban, according to a document accessed by AFP on Monday. The far-right former president, who is accused of attempting a "coup" against his successor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, made a speech Monday that quickly went viral on social media. Bolsonaro did not post the speech from his own account, although his sons and political allies did so. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes -- with whom Bolsonaro has clashed often -- displayed posts from accounts on X, Instagram, and Facebook with videos, images, and text from Bolsonaro's speech to journalists in Congress. According to Moraes, the 70-year-old former president "delivered a speech to be shown on digital platforms." Bolsonaro is required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet in connection with the case, and to comply with other measures, including a ban from posting on social media. Moraes called on the former leader's lawyers to provide clarification within 24 hours "on the breach of the precautionary measures imposed, under penalty of immediate imprisonment." In an earlier decision on Monday, Moraes had warned that any dissemination of Bolsonaro's public speeches on social media platforms would constitute a violation of the measures. Bolsonaro, however, denounced the move as an act of "cowardice." He appeared before the cameras to show, for the first time, the electronic ankle monitor he wears on his left foot. "This is a symbol of the utmost humiliation," he said. "What matters to me is God's law," he added, rejecting the court's rulings. US President Donald Trump, who counts Bolsonaro among his allies, has waded into the controversy, accusing the Brazilian authorities of conducting a "witch hunt." His administration has imposed visa restrictions on Moraes over his conduct in the case, and announced 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports unless the charges are dropped. Eduardo Bolsonaro, one of the former president's sons, stepped down from his position as a congressman in March and moved to the United States, where he is campaigning for the Trump administration to intercede on his father's behalf. Moraes believes Bolsonaro and his son seek to "subject the functioning of the Supreme Court (of Brazil) to the control of the United States." Among the restrictions imposed on Bolsonaro is an order not to approach embassies or the governments of other countries. He must also remain at home at night and on weekends, although he denied any plans to flee Brazil.
