Background on Eduardo Bolsonaro and His Father
Eduardo Bolsonaro, a member of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has been accused by Brazilian prosecutors of coercion. The allegations stem from Eduardo’s efforts to persuade the United States to impose sanctions that would influence his father’s ongoing trial for attempted coup d’état.
Jair Bolsonaro, an ultrarightist leader, was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting to overthrow the government following his loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election.
Charges Against Eduardo Bolsonaro
Eduardo, who has been residing in the United States for several months, was charged with coercion by threatening judicial and other authorities. He allegedly sought sanctions from U.S. officials to ensure his father’s trial concluded favorably, according to the Brazilian prosecution.
The threats were described as “unambiguous and consistent,” aiming to subordinate the interests of the Republic and the entire community to his personal designs, the prosecution stated.
Influencer Paulo Figueiredo Also Charged
Alongside Eduardo Bolsonaro, influencer Paulo Figueiredo was also charged for similar reasons. However, the prosecution decided not to implicate Jair Bolsonaro based on police recommendations.
Political Persecution Claims
The indictment came on the same day that the United States announced new sanctions against Brazil. Former President Trump had previously imposed 50% punitive tariffs on certain Brazilian exports in response to what he deemed a “witch hunt” against his ally Bolsonaro.
Following Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction, the White House had threatened further measures against Brazil. On this day, the U.S. sanctioned the wife of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over Bolsonaro’s trial, as well as a company owned by the Moraes family.
Financial Penalties
Apart from Justice Moraes’ wife, Viviane Barci, and the consultancy Lex – Institute of Legal Studies based in São Paulo, were penalized under the Magnitsky Act.
These sanctions prevent Viviane Barci and Lex from conducting any economic activities involving U.S. citizens or companies, as well as blocking assets and suspending visas.
Such restrictions were already in place for Eduardo’s father. Justice Moraes denounced the “illegal and regrettable” application of the Magnitsky Act against his wife, stating it violated international law, Brazil’s sovereignty, and judicial independence.
Further US Actions Against Brazil
Sources close to the Trump administration, speaking anonymously to AFP, indicated that these sanctions might not be the last. The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessen, accused Justice Moraes of leading an oppressive censorship campaign, arbitrary detentions, and politicized legal proceedings—even against Bolsonaro.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also accused Moraes of committing serious human rights abuses. The government of Lula expressed “deep indignation” over the measure, considering it another U.S. attempt at interference.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Eduardo Bolsonaro? Eduardo Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, currently serving as a member of the Chamber of Deputies.
- What are the charges against him? Eduardo Bolsonaro has been accused of coercion by Brazilian prosecutors for attempting to influence his father’s trial through pressure on the United States to impose sanctions.
- What are the US sanctions against Brazil? The United States has imposed tariffs on certain Brazilian exports and sanctioned individuals, including the wife of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and a consultancy firm, under the Magnitsky Act.
- Why were these sanctions imposed? The U.S. claims that Brazil is engaging in a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro, with Justice Moraes leading oppressive censorship and politicized legal proceedings.
- How has Brazil responded to these sanctions? The government of Lula has expressed “deep indignation” over the U.S. sanctions, considering them another attempt at interference in Brazil’s internal affairs.
