A Brazilian judge has taken extraordinary measures to ensure former President Jair Bolsonaro remains within the country's borders, ordering continuous surveillance amid serious concerns he may attempt to flee justice.
Judge Paulo Pimenta de Macedo's ruling mandates that Bolsonaro must wear an electronic ankle monitor and be subject to 24-hour monitoring by federal police. The dramatic decision comes as the controversial former leader faces multiple criminal investigations that could potentially lead to significant prison time.
Concrete Flight Risk Assessment
The judge's assessment was stark in its conclusion, stating there exists a 'concrete risk' that Bolsonaro might attempt to leave Brazil to avoid facing justice. This determination was based on several factors, including the seriousness of the charges and the former president's pattern of behaviour since leaving office.
'The evidence indicates a real possibility the accused might seek to evade the judicial process through flight,' Judge Macedo stated in his ruling, emphasising the necessity of preventive measures.
Travel Restrictions and Monitoring
Under the sweeping order, Bolsonaro must surrender his passport to authorities and is prohibited from leaving the country without explicit judicial authorisation. The ankle monitor will track his movements continuously, with federal police required to maintain constant vigilance.
The surveillance measures represent one of the most significant restrictions ever imposed on a former Brazilian president, highlighting the gravity of the legal challenges facing Bolsonaro.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Bolsonaro faces multiple criminal investigations, including allegations of:
- Attempting to stage a coup after losing the 2022 election
- Misappropriation of official gifts including expensive jewellery
- Spreading misinformation about Brazil's electoral system
- Potential involvement in the January 2023 government building attacks
These investigations have placed the former president in increasingly precarious legal territory, with some analysts suggesting he could face decades in prison if convicted on all charges.
Political Implications
The surveillance order has sent shockwaves through Brazil's political establishment, underscoring the continued polarization between Bolsonaro's supporters and detractors. His allies have denounced the measures as politically motivated, while government officials maintain they represent necessary steps to ensure judicial accountability.
This development marks another chapter in Brazil's ongoing reckoning with the Bolsonaro presidency and its aftermath, as the country continues to grapple with divisions exposed during his time in office.
