Star Metro - Brazilian judge threatens Bolsonaro over speech shared on social media

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."

US President Donald Trump, a populist leader 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.

Among the restrictions imposed on Bolsonaro is an order not to approach embassies or the governments of other countries.

M.Johnson--SMC