Brazilian federal police have raided Jair Bolsonaro's villa in Brasilia, barring him from communicating with foreign diplomats and forcing him to wear an electronic ankle bracelet, amid fears the former president could flee the country to escape punishment over an alleged coup attempt.
Recall that Bolsonaro is on trial as allegations are being examined that he may have orchestrated a murderous plot to seize power after losing the 2022 elections.
And while the trial is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, a guilty verdict is almost certain and political opponents have expressed concern that the far-right politician could escape a sentence of up to 43 years by seeking refuge in a foreign embassy or by fleeing the country.
According to foreign media, fears that Bolsonaro may flee the country have increased even more after Donald Trump announced the imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazil, describing the investigation against his right-wing ally as a "witch hunt."
It is reported that after Trump's strong support, heavily armed federal police agents have arrived at Bolsonaro's residence in the wealthy area of the capital called Botanical Garden.
According to The Guardian, police confirmed the operation in a brief statement, saying that two search warrants had been executed and "preventive measures" had been taken.
Although the statement did not clarify what measures had been taken, local media reported that they included requiring Bolsonaro to wear an electronic ankle bracelet, a curfew from 19:00 p.m. to 07:00 a.m. even on weekends, a ban on communication with foreign ambassadors and diplomats, and a ban on visiting diplomatic facilities.
It is also reported that Bolsonaro has been banned from using social media, where he has millions of followers. Meanwhile, TV Globo reported that during the raid, police found $14,000 in cash at Bolsonaro's home and confiscated a USB stick that was said to have been hidden in the bathroom.
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