A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has relaxed the terms of Jair Bolsonaro's house arrest, permitting the former president to receive visits from his children and grandchildren without prior judicial approval. However, the ban on phone use and video recording remains in place.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the revised order, stating, 'I authorise visits from the detainee's sons, daughters-in-law, granddaughters and grandsons without prior notice.' All visitors must still comply with restrictions on mobile phones and photography.
Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since Monday after allegedly violating court orders, including a ban on social media use. The judge argued that Bolsonaro flouted the prohibition by appearing via video call at Sunday rallies, which was later posted online by his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
The former president remains barred from contacting his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman in the United States. He is also required to wear an electronic ankle tag to prevent escape.
The case accusing Bolsonaro of leading a 2022 coup attempt is at an advanced stage, with a verdict expected as early as next month. He faces a potential sentence of over 40 years in prison. Politicians aligned with Bolsonaro have blocked congressional proceedings, demanding impeachment of Justice Moraes and amnesty for those accused in the alleged coup plot.
