STF Panel Backs Making Eduardo Bolsonaro a Defendant for Alleged Coercion

Overview

• Relator Alexandre de Moraes was joined by Flávio Dino and Cristiano Zanin to form a majority in the First Panel, with Cármen Lúcia’s vote still pending in the virtual docket that runs until November 25.
• Eduardo Bolsonaro faces the charge of coercion in the course of proceedings under Penal Code article 344, with the PGR also invoking article 71 for continued crime that could, in theory, lift exposure to about six years and eight months.
• The accusation cites efforts in the United States to promote tariffs on Brazilian exports, suspend visas for officials, and apply Magnitsky‑type measures as pressure on Supreme Court justices and on proceedings involving Jair Bolsonaro.
• Eduardo has been in the U.S. since February, was notified by public notice for lack of a fixed address, did not file a personal response, and is represented by Brazil’s Public Defender’s Office in the case that now moves to a criminal action phase.
• Paulo Figueiredo was denounced on the same facts, but his case was split off for later analysis via letters rogatory, while Eduardo called the move a “witch hunt” on social media and questioned the notification process.