Bolsonaro's defense meets Moraes, appeals for continued house arrest

Jair Bolsonaro's legal defense team met with Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes, seeking to extend the former president's house arrest. The meeting on Tuesday aimed to present arguments regarding Bolsonaro's health and the recent seizure of a firearm from his security guard.

Paulo Cunha Bueno, one of Bolsonaro's lawyers, stated on social media that Moraes listened to their arguments with "great courtesy." He expressed that the points raised about Bolsonaro's health and the gun incident were relevant and provided sufficient grounds for maintaining house arrest.

While Bolsonaro's allies and family had hoped for a renewal of the 90-day house arrest period, the firearm incident has raised concerns for Moraes. In a recent order, Moraes suggested that the seizure of the weapon could potentially lead to the termination of the house arrest.

However, the Prosecutor-General's Office (PGR) has not yet identified a disciplinary violation related to the firearm, stating they are awaiting further developments from the Civil Police investigation. The defense maintains that the firearm's firing pin was removed by security personnel without Bolsonaro's knowledge to prevent accidents, and that he ordered it to be taken for repair upon discovering the modification.

Interlocutors close to Bolsonaro believe Moraes might be inclined to end the house arrest, but the PGR's stance could influence the decision. Additionally, other Supreme Court justices reportedly favor keeping Bolsonaro under house arrest. Supporters argue that Bolsonaro's return to a detention facility could provide a political platform for Flávio Bolsonaro, potentially fueling claims of persecution and causing political instability, while also endangering the former president's health. Those who have visited Bolsonaro recently report an improvement in his health, with fewer episodes of hiccups, but emphasize that his condition remains fragile and might not withstand a return to confinement.