STF Unanimously Accepts PGR Complaint, Making Eduardo Bolsonaro a Defendant

Overview

• Eduardo Bolsonaro mocked the decision on social media, calling being a defendant a “reason for pride” and accusing the court of releasing criminals.
• The First Chamber voted unanimously on November 15 to open the case, with Alexandre de Moraes joined by Flávio Dino, Cristiano Zanin and Cármen Lúcia.
• The charge involves coercion in the course of a proceeding, and the case now moves to evidence gathering with depositions and witness testimony.
• The PGR alleges he and influencer Paulo Figueiredo pushed for visa cancellations, Magnitsky sanctions and tariff measures in the United States to intimidate Brazilian authorities.
• Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet says the effort aimed to box in justices to favor Jair Bolsonaro, and conviction could bring one to four years in prison and possible loss of mandate.