247 - The First Panel of the Supreme Federal Court began analyzing the complaint filed by the Attorney General's Office (PGR) against federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP), accused of attempting to interfere in the trial that led to his father, Jair Bolsonaro (PL), being convicted of leading a criminal organization.

According to g1, the complaint alleges that Eduardo sought, abroad, to orchestrate measures that would pressure the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and create obstacles to the progress of the criminal proceedings. As established by procedure, the First Panel will assess whether to accept the Attorney General's accusation—a decision that could result in the opening of criminal proceedings or the dismissal of the case.

The trial is taking place in the virtual plenary of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and will continue until November 25, unless requests for review or highlighting issues alter the schedule. The rapporteur, Minister Alexandre de Moraes, opened the voting and will be followed by the other members of the panel: Cristiano Zanin, Cármen Lúcia, and Flávio Dino.

Moraes' vote

In detailing his position, Moraes stated that Eduardo Bolsonaro"insisted on the strategy of seriously threatening the ministers of the Supreme Federal Court, including boasting about the possible application of sanctions to the other ministers of the First Panel [...] to favor his father, Jair Messias Bolsonaro."

According to the minister, the intimidation attempt was carried out through"the coordination and obtaining of sanctions from the United States government," then led by current President Donald Trump. Among the measures adopted, a 50% surcharge on Brazilian products stood out, justified by the US government with the allegation—without evidence—that Brazil was promoting injustices in the trial of the former president.

Moraes and his wife, Viviane de Moraes, were included under the Magnitsky Act, a mechanism that provides for economic sanctions against foreigners. Other Supreme Court justices and the Attorney General of the Union, Jorge Messias, also had their visas revoked.

In his vote, Moraes added that the objective would be to create an environment of coercion over those responsible for the trial and, furthermore, to pressure authorities who could analyze any eventual amnesty project related to those involved in the attempted coup d'état in Brazil. According to the rapporteur, the Attorney General's Office demonstrated the existence of sufficient elements to initiate criminal proceedings.

What does the Attorney General's complaint say?

The Attorney General's Office accuses Eduardo Bolsonaro and political analyst Paulo Figueiredo of coercion during legal proceedings, a crime defined as the use of violence or serious threats against authorities, parties, or any person involved in judicial, police, administrative, or arbitration proceedings, with the intent of obtaining personal gain or gain for third parties. The penalty ranges from one to four years in prison.