STF Panel Forms Majority to Make Eduardo Bolsonaro a Defendant

Overview

• Ministers Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Dino and Cristiano Zanin voted to receive the complaint, with Cármen Lúcia’s vote pending in the virtual session open until November 25.
• The PGR accuses the congressman of coercion for acting in the United States to push for tariffs, visa suspensions and Magnitsky-type measures aimed at intimidating STF ministers during his father's case.
• With the complaint accepted by a majority, the Court will open a criminal action in which the defendant may present witnesses, submit evidence and request investigative steps.
• Eduardo Bolsonaro has been in the United States since February, was notified by public notice, is represented by the Federal Public Defender’s Office, and called the move a “witch hunt” on social media.
• The charge under Penal Code article 344 carries one to four years in prison and a fine, and the PGR seeks a continued-crime enhancement that could raise exposure to about six years and eight months.