The house arrest of Jair Bolsonaro has irritated justices of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court and left Alexandre de Moraes isolated within the court.
Justices who are not part of the panel judging the former president in the First Chamber, as well as some who are, consider the decision excessive and legally unsustainable.
They argue that the move weakens the Court, particularly at a time when it, and Moraes himself, is under fierce attack from the United States.
While Moraes still enjoys strong support from his colleagues and recognition for the role he has played so far, the impression is that he made a mistake in this case.
Among Supreme Court members, there is speculation that Moraes may reconsider the order that placed Bolsonaro under house arrest. The issue, however, is the minister’s personality—he is known for rarely reversing course.
If he maintains the decision, members of the First Chamber could overturn it. This is not seen as impossible, but highly unlikely.
From a technical standpoint, justices argue it makes little sense for Moraes to have previously stated that Bolsonaro was free to “give speeches at events,” and then later order his arrest for speaking to supporters in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday (3).
