At a Glance
- Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes orders house arrest for 10 conspirators in Bolsonaro’s post-election plot.
- Paraguayan authorities arrest ex-police commander Silvinei Vasques, who was extradited to Brazil after fleeing to Paraguay.
- Former adviser Filipe Martins faces a new appeal amid the crackdown.
- Why it matters: The move tightens legal pressure on the former president’s allies and signals a decisive stance against attempts to overturn Brazil’s 2022 election.
Brazilian authorities intensified their crackdown on the coup plot after Paraguay seized a key conspirator. The judge’s orders came hours after the extradition of Silvinei Vasques, who fled to Paraguay and tried to board a flight to El Salvador using false documents.
Supreme Court Judge Orders House Arrest
**Alexandre de Moraes issued the orders on Saturday, targeting 10 people who had previously been under cautionary measures such as ankle monitors or nightly location restrictions. The list includes former adviser Filipe Martins.
Filipe Martins’ lawyer, Jeffrey Chiquini stated:
> “There is no greater injustice than condemning a person for the actions of another.”
- Former adviser Filipe Martins
- Ex-police commander Silvinei Vasques
- 9 other unnamed conspirators
Bolsonaro’s Health and Legal Situation
Former President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted and sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat. He has been incarcerated since November and was hospitalized Wednesday after undergoing double hernia surgery on Thursday.
Michelle Bolsonaro said:
> “It has been nine months of anguish and daily hiccups.”
- 27-year sentence
- Prison since November
- Double hernia surgery Thursday
- Ongoing hiccup treatment
International Reactions
U.S. President Donald Trump initially called the proceedings a “witch hunt” and raised tariffs on Brazilian imports, describing the trial as an “international disgrace.” The Trump administration had imposed sanctions on de Moraes**, but the U.S. government lifted sanctions against the judge and his wife earlier this month as trade negotiations continue.
Key Takeaways
- House arrest orders tighten pressure on Bolsonaro’s allies.
- Ex-police commander Vasques extradited after fleeing to Paraguay.
- Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence and health issues highlight the case’s gravity.
The crackdown underscores Brazil’s commitment to upholding democratic outcomes after decades of military rule.
