BRASILIA (Realist English). A Supreme Court panel in Brazil has moved a step closer to putting Eduardo Bolsonaro, the third son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, on trial for obstruction of justice. Three of the five justices voted on Friday to accept a federal indictment accusing the congressman of using threats and political pressure to interfere with the criminal case against his father.
The decision follows Jair Bolsonaro’s September conviction and 27-year sentence for allegedly attempting to overturn his 2022 electoral defeat through a coup attempt — a verdict he is now appealing under house arrest.
Eduardo Bolsonaro, one of his father’s most outspoken defenders, traveled repeatedly to the United States after the election, meeting Donald Trump and senior Republican officials. In March, he announced he would relocate to the US full-time to “seek justice” for his father. Prosecutors argue those efforts crossed a legal line, amounting to an attempt to coerce Brazilian authorities through foreign pressure.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who leads the court’s Bolsonaro-related inquiries, wrote that there is “significant evidence” Eduardo’s activities abroad sought to “create institutional and social instability” and impose “economic harm” on Brazil. Justices Flavio Dino and Cristiano Zanin concurred, forming a majority on the panel. Voting remains open until November 25.
The case hinges on whether Eduardo encouraged or facilitated Trump administration measures targeting Brazil to force the courts to drop the charges against his father. After Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction, Trump issued a rare public letter denouncing the proceedings as censorship of a “highly respected leader” and warned of punitive tariffs. By August, the US had imposed a 50% tariff on many Brazilian exports and sanctioned Justice de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act — an extraordinary move usually reserved for serious human rights violations.
Eduardo Bolsonaro openly backed Trump’s actions, appearing at MAGA-aligned events and telling the BBC he supported sanctions and tariffs “because of what de Moraes is doing.” But in a statement on Friday, he denounced the Supreme Court’s decision as a “WITCH HUNT,” insisting he had no control over US policy. “Tariffs and the application of the Magnitsky Act are neither at my disposal nor illegal,” he wrote, accusing de Moraes of seeking to bar him from future office.
If convicted, Eduardo Bolsonaro faces up to four years in prison and fines. His father’s legal troubles continue as well: last week, the court panel rejected Jair Bolsonaro’s bid to reduce or dismiss his 27-year sentence.
