Former President Jair Bolsonaro is facing increasing legal pressure as he defends himself against accusations before the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Meanwhile, close allies like Cid are seeking to mitigate their own legal troubles, and political opponents are calling for stricter monitoring of Bolsonaro's movements.
Bolsonaro Responds to Allegations
Bolsonaro has submitted a 130-page defense to the STF in response to a complaint filed by the Attorney General's Office (PGR). The defense team is reportedly seeking to call 13 witnesses to testify on Bolsonaro's behalf. The specifics of the accusations have not been fully disclosed, but the submission indicates the seriousness of the legal challenges he faces.
The legal battles extend beyond Bolsonaro himself. His former aide, Cid, is also embroiled in legal proceedings. Cid, who has been accused by the PGR, is asking the STF to grant him a summary acquittal. His defense rests on the argument that he was simply following orders. He is also seeking to maintain his current plea bargain agreement, suggesting a willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Calls for Electronic Monitoring Intensify
Adding to the pressure, members of the Workers' Party (Petistas) are urging the PGR to impose electronic monitoring on Bolsonaro. They argue that an ankle bracelet is necessary to prevent the former president from potentially fleeing the country by land. “Electronic monitoring is indispensable due to the possibility that the ex-president might flee by land,” one deputy stated, emphasizing the perceived risk.
Moraes Archives Investigation Against Ibaneis
In a separate but related development, an investigation against Ibaneis Rocha, the governor, has been archived by Justice Moraes. Ibaneis was previously suspected of collusion with radicals and was even temporarily removed from office. However, he is now considered a witness in the ongoing investigations related to the events of January 8th. This decision highlights the shifting landscape of accountability surrounding those events.
The legal challenges facing Bolsonaro and his allies underscore the ongoing scrutiny of their actions and the political climate in Brazil. Whether Bolsonaro can successfully defend himself, and whether Cid's plea bargain will hold, remains to be seen. The call for electronic monitoring further intensifies the pressure on the former president, signaling a potentially turbulent period ahead.