Bolsonaro is a Flight Risk, 24/7 Surveillance Needed: Brazil Judge
The drama surrounding former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s coup-plot trial continues to unfold, with a judge now declaring him a “flight risk” and ordering 24/7 surveillance at his home. This move comes as Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest, could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
The decision was made public on Wednesday, following revelations that Bolsonaro had considered seeking asylum in Argentina to avoid a possible sentence. This latest development has raised concerns about the former leader’s intentions, leading the judge to take measures to ensure he does not flee the country.
The coup-plot trial against Bolsonaro stems from allegations that he and his supporters planned to overthrow the government of current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who took office in January after winning a presidential election. Bolsonaro’s supporters have denied any wrongdoing, but the judge has deemed the evidence sufficient to proceed with the trial.
The trial is expected to be a highly charged and divisive affair, with many of Bolsonaro’s supporters seeing him as a hero who fought against corruption and inefficiency in government. However, critics have long accused Bolsonaro of being authoritarian and divisive, and his alleged involvement in a coup plot has only added to the controversy surrounding him.
The judge’s decision to declare Bolsonaro a flight risk and impose 24/7 surveillance at his home is seen as a precautionary measure to ensure that he does not attempt to flee the country while the trial is ongoing. This move is not unprecedented, as judges in Brazil have the power to impose restrictions on individuals deemed to be a flight risk.
The surveillance measures will include monitoring Bolsonaro’s movements and activities at his home, as well as restricting his access to electronic devices and communication tools. The judge has also ordered Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle, to be present at all times during the surveillance period.
The coup-plot trial against Bolsonaro is expected to be a complex and lengthy affair, with multiple witnesses and pieces of evidence set to be presented. The trial is being closely watched by observers both in Brazil and around the world, who are eager to see whether Bolsonaro will be held accountable for his alleged actions.
In the meantime, the judge’s decision to declare Bolsonaro a flight risk and impose 24/7 surveillance at his home is seen as a necessary step to ensure that the trial is conducted fairly and without any attempts to subvert the justice system.
