Photo by Isac Nóbrega/PR
Bolsonaro Speaks Out After Being Ordered to Wear Electronic Ankle Monitor: 'I Feel Humiliated'
Former President Jair Bolsonaro gave a press statement on Wednesday (July 17) after leaving the Federal Police headquarters, where he was fitted with an electronic ankle monitor by order of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) as part of new precautionary measures under a criminal investigation.
During his remarks to the media, Bolsonaro described the moment as "humiliating" and reiterated claims of being the target of political persecution:
"I feel humiliated. I never considered leaving Brazil, but if I wanted to, it would be the easiest thing to do. I didn’t plan any of this."
The former president also addressed the U.S. dollars reportedly found in his home:
"I have the habit of keeping dollars at home. These are declared amounts, or will be declared. There is nothing illegal about it."
On the course of the investigation, Bolsonaro claimed he is being targeted by a new inquiry and criticized the current administration:
"The Federal Police found nothing irregular. I can’t say for sure if this is retaliation, but I have no doubt I’m being persecuted. Lula doesn’t talk to Trump. It’s an alienated government."
When asked about accusations that his son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, helped orchestrate the recent U.S. tariff hike against Brazil, Bolsonaro dismissed the claims:
"Eduardo didn’t orchestrate any tariffs. The U.S. Congress is not Venezuela or Iran."
He also denied any involvement in alleged coup plots:
"There is nothing that ties me to any coup plan."
These statements come amid escalating political tensions in Brazil and ongoing investigations involving high-ranking figures from Bolsonaro's former administration.
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