Court Ruling Blocks Former President Jair Bolsonaro’s Travel Plans
Request to Attend Trump’s Inauguration Denied
A recent decision by the Supreme Federal Court has barred former President Jair Bolsonaro from traveling to the United States to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump. The court’s ruling, made by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, cited concerns about a potential escape attempt by the former president.
Investigation and Travel Restrictions
Bolsonaro has been under investigation since February for allegedly plotting a coup to prevent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office in January 2023. As part of the investigation, the police seized his passport and prohibited him from leaving the country. Bolsonaro has maintained his innocence, claiming he is being “persecuted.”
Passport Request Denied
Bolsonaro’s lawyers had requested the return of his passport, citing an invitation to Trump’s inauguration ceremony. However, Judge Moraes deemed that the defense had not provided sufficient evidence to support the claim. The judge also expressed concerns that Bolsonaro has been advocating for the escape and asylum of individuals convicted of involvement in the January 8, 2023, riot in Brasilia.
Comparison to Trump and Aspirations for 2026 Elections
Bolsonaro has often drawn parallels between his own biography and that of Trump. In July, he compared his stab wound in 2018 to the attempted assassination of Trump during the election campaign. Despite being politically disqualified due to a conviction for discrediting the voting system without evidence, Bolsonaro aspires to run in the 2026 elections.