Strong Denial of Embezzlement and Murder Charges
Son's Assets Frozen Over Coup Allegations
The former President of Brazil, currently on trial for charges including refusal to accept the presidential election results and plotting a coup, expressed his anger in front of reporters by pointing to the electronic ankle monitor he was wearing.
According to Yonhap News, citing Reuters and other sources on the 21st, "Former President Bolsonaro rolled up his left pant leg on the steps of the National Congress (Federal Senate and Chamber of Deputies) in the capital city of Brasilia and revealed the electronic ankle monitor on his ankle to the press," the report stated.
According to the media, former President Bolsonaro pointed to the ankle monitor and said, "I did not embezzle public funds, I did not commit murder, and I did not engage in human trafficking," adding, "Putting an ankle monitor on an innocent person is a disgrace to the nation. What they have done to a former president is the height of cowardice," he said angrily.
He had been scheduled to hold a press conference with supportive lawmakers that day, but after the Supreme Court issued a ban preventing the event, he lifted his pant leg to show the ankle monitor and voiced his complaints to the reporters.
During his presidency (2019-2022), Bolsonaro took a hardline right-wing stance and emphasized his alliance with the Trump camp. For this reason, he was called the "Trump of South America." After losing the 2022 presidential election to President Luiz Lula, a symbol of the South American left, he was indicted on charges including plotting a coup with cabinet members and inciting his supporters, which allegedly led to the January 8, 2023, riots over the refusal to accept the election results.
Donald Trump, former President of the United States, has criticized the current Brazilian government over the indictment of his close ally, former President Bolsonaro, calling it a "witch hunt." On July 9, he also notified Brazil of a "50% reciprocal tariff," citing Bolsonaro's trial as a key reason, which has sparked controversy over interference in Brazil's domestic affairs.
The Brazilian judiciary appears to be mounting comprehensive pressure on Bolsonaro and his family. On July 18, the Federal Supreme Court of Brazil ordered house arrest, the wearing of an electronic ankle monitor, and a ban on contact with foreign government officials. His third son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a member of the Federal Chamber of Deputies, also had his assets frozen on charges including plotting a coup.
After the order to wear the ankle monitor, former President Bolsonaro protested, saying, "This is extremely humiliating. I have never considered leaving Brazil," and added, "Damn it, I am a former president of the republic and I am 70 years old."
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