Brazilian authorities conducted a raid on the residence and political office of former President Jair Bolsonaro early Friday, imposing new restrictions including an order to wear an electronic ankle monitor and a ban on communicating with foreign dignitaries, according to CNN Brasil.
During the search, officials also seized an unspecified amount of U.S. dollars, the outlet reported.
Bolsonaro is currently facing trial over allegations of attempting to overturn the results of Brazil’s 2022 presidential election in a bid to remain in office.
If convicted of orchestrating the alleged coup attempt, he could face a prison sentence of over 40 years.
The former president has denied any involvement in wrongdoing.
The raid comes amid rising diplomatic strain between Brazil and the United States, following efforts by former U.S. President Donald Trump to influence the ongoing legal proceedings.
Trump, a longtime ally of Bolsonaro, has called on Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to intervene and stop the trial.
He also threatened a 50% tariff increase on Brazilian goods starting August 1, linking the proposed hike to what he described as a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro in a letter posted on his platform, Truth Social.
In response to the tariff warning, President Lula emphasized the autonomy of Brazil’s judicial system in an exclusive interview with CNN on Thursday.
“The judiciary branch of power in Brazil is independent. The president of the Republic has no influence whatsoever,” Lula stated.
“Bolsonaro is not being judged personally. He is being judged by the acts he tried to organize a coup d’état.”
He further criticized Trump’s pressure campaign, saying, “Trump was not elected to be emperor of the world,” and insisted that judicial matters should not be subjected to political or economic bargaining.
“If the actions [Trump] took during the January 6 insurrection had been committed in Brazil, he would be standing trial in his country,” Lula added.
