The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Brazil confirmed the measure to keep the passport of former president Jair Bolsonaro confiscated as part of the investigations into an attempted coup and the improper appropriation of jewels received from abroad. This decision was made unanimously and ratifies the precautionary measures imposed by Judge Alexandre de Moraes last February, which include the surrender of the passport and the prohibition of contact with other individuals involved in the investigations.
According to De Moraes, these measures remain necessary because there are ongoing proceedings and there is a possibility that those investigated may attempt to evade justice. The investigations point to solid evidence that Bolsonaro was involved in the planning and execution of a coup d'état, as well as in the appropriation of jewels received during his term.
The police are investigating whether Bolsonaro considered nullifying the electoral results that led to the victory of the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in 2022, with the purpose of calling new elections and remaining in power. Former military commanders stated that they met with Bolsonaro to discuss a coup plan.
Additionally, he is suspected of having kept valuable jewels received from abroad during his presidency, which should have been incorporated into the state assets. The First Chamber also prohibited Bolsonaro from accessing the full testimony of a former collaborator who reportedly provided evidence on the facts.
The court indicated that Bolsonaro does not have the right to access information about ongoing proceedings, such as attacks on opponents and democratic institutions, fraud related to COVID-19 vaccination certificates, among other processes. However, it was clarified that he could access the complete content in case formal complaints are filed.
