Brazil’s High Court Clears Path to Try Eduardo Bolsonaro on Obstruction Charge

Overview

• A five-judge Supreme Federal Court panel reached a majority to accept obstruction charges against Eduardo Bolsonaro, with votes from Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Dino and Cristiano Zanin.
• The panel vote remains technically open until November 25 under court rules, making prosecution practically certain barring an unlikely switch.
• Prosecutors allege he sought to interfere in his father’s case through violence or serious threats by urging foreign governments to pressure Brazilian officials, a charge carrying one to four years in prison plus a fine if convicted.
• Police-obtained messages show Eduardo acknowledged seeking U.S. support and told his father that pressure from President Donald Trump was his “only chance” to avoid prison.
• U.S. measures cited by the court include a 50% tariff ordered by President Donald Trump and sanctions with visa revocations targeting Justice Alexandre de Moraes and other Brazilian officials, while Jair Bolsonaro’s failed appeals await formal certification that could trigger a swift arrest order.