Jair Bolsonaro's Son Charged with Coercion Amid Political Turmoil in Brazil

Tue Oct 14 2025 09:24:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, faces coercion charges as Brazil grapples with political fallout following his father's conviction for plotting a coup.

Eduardo Bolsonaro has been charged by Brazil's chief prosecutor with coercion, accused of prioritizing personal agendas at the cost of national interests. The charges come just weeks after his father's 27-year prison sentence for coup plotting, sparking claims of political persecution from Eduardo, who now resides in the US.

Brazil's chief prosecutor has charged Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, with coercion, an official statement revealed on Monday.

The attorney general's office claims that Eduardo Bolsonaro, who serves as a congressman, has acted to prioritize personal and family interests over the needs of the republic, leading Brazil to face potential sanctions from foreign governments.

In response, the congressman labeled the charges as 'bogus' in a post on social media platform X, describing it as 'absurd' to accuse him of obstructing justice.

This legal action follows the sentencing of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for his involvement in a coup plot, marking a significant turning point in Brazilian politics.

Eduardo, currently residing in the United States, expressed that he learned of the charges through the media and criticized the timing, suggesting it reflects ongoing political harassment.

Prosecutors are not only pursuing a conviction but also aim to secure compensation for damages incurred due to the alleged criminal actions.

Additionally, businessman Paulo Figueiredo, the grandson of former Brazilian dictator João Batista Figueiredo, has been implicated in the charges.

Relocating to the US earlier this year, Eduardo Bolsonaro previously told the BBC that he felt he was living in 'exile' due to fears of arrest if he returned to Brazil.

He has sought support for his father from the Trump administration, which has equated the charges against Jair Bolsonaro to a 'witch hunt.'

Relations between the US and Brazil have been strained, particularly following a 50% tariff imposed by former President Trump against Brazil, a move that current Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions targeting Brazil's judiciary, provoking backlash from those affected.

Amid this turmoil, tens of thousands of Brazilians have protested against a proposed 'amnesty bill' that could exempt Bolsonaro from prosecution, further complicating the political landscape.