Bolsonaro Asks Supreme Court to Clarify Interview Ban Under Moraes Restrictions

Jair Bolsonaro’s lawyers told Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court that the former president has not violated the precautionary measures imposed by Justice Alexandre de Moraes and asked the Court to clarify whether the restrictions bar him from giving interviews. In a five-page filing delivered late Monday and made public on Tuesday, the defense said Bolsonaro ‘did not post, access his social networks or request that third parties do so’ and argued that any reposting of his public remarks by supporters is beyond his control. Moraes ordered Bolsonaro on 18 July to wear an electronic ankle monitor, refrain from leaving the Federal District, obey nightly curfews and avoid direct or indirect use of social media. The justice warned that failure to comply could lead to Bolsonaro’s immediate arrest. The clarification request stems from images of the ex-president’s comments in Congress, including criticism of the monitoring device, that were later circulated online by allies and cited by Moraes as a potential breach. Bolsonaro’s counsel contends the Court’s initial ruling did not expressly forbid interviews and says he will suspend public statements until the STF specifies whether media appearances fall under the social-media ban. Moraes is expected to forward the explanation to the Prosecutor-General’s Office before deciding whether additional action is warranted.