A majority of Brazilians believe former president Jair Bolsonaro’s house arrest is fair and justified, according to a recent Genial/Quaest poll conducted between August 13 and 17. The measure, imposed by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, has the support of 55% of respondents, while 39% oppose it.
The same survey also revealed that 57% of those interviewed believe Bolsonaro intentionally provoked Justice Moraes by joining a video call during a public demonstration on August 3. The event was held to demand amnesty for those involved in the January 8 coup attempt in Brasília. Only 30% of respondents believe the former president misunderstood the restrictions imposed as part of his house arrest.
More than half of the public (52%) also stated they believe Bolsonaro played an active role in plotting a coup to overthrow democratic institutions.
The Genial/Quaest poll surveyed 2,004 Brazilians aged 16 and older across the country. It was released just days after Bolsonaro and his son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, were officially indicted by Brazil’s Federal Police for attempting to coerce the judiciary and obstruct justice.
Trial set for Bolsonaro and top officials accused of coup conspiracy
Bolsonaro’s house arrest was imposed on August 4 after he violated precautionary measures tied to an investigation into a far-right conspiracy to carry out a coup. The case is part of a broader probe into the actions of his political allies, including his son Eduardo, and their efforts to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the trial of key figures involved in the coup attempt for September 2. Alongside Bolsonaro, defendants include:
- Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp
- Federal Congressman Alexandre Ramagem
- Admiral Almir Garnier
- Former Justice Minister Anderson Torres
- Generals Augusto Heleno, Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, and Walter Braga Netto
The group faces charges of attempting to abolish the democratic rule of law, plotting a coup, participation in an armed criminal organization, qualified property damage, and destruction of protected federal property.
