Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest awaiting a verdict in his coup-plotting trial, is now under round-the-clock police surveillance, deemed a flight risk by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. This heightened security measure coincides with the upcoming final arguments in the case, where Bolsonaro faces a potential 40-year prison sentence if convicted of attempting to retain power after the 2022 election. The judge cited concerns about Bolsonaro’s son’s lobbying efforts in the United States and a draft asylum request, as well as the context of heightened tensions between the US and Brazil, which include visa revocations and criticisms of the trial.
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Representative Nicole Collier found herself in a political standoff in the Texas Capitol after refusing to sign a permission slip and accept a police escort. She was confined to the Capitol building for two nights, a situation she described as “house arrest.” During this time, she participated in a DNC call from a restroom, facing restrictions on her movement. Collier’s ordeal led to debates about whether it constituted “house arrest,” with legal opinions and the Texas Monthly writer Christopher Hooks, offering different perspectives, and Collier herself arguing that she was deprived of her rights.
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Brazil’s Supreme Court Places Bolsonaro Under House Arrest, and it’s understandable that this news sparks a range of reactions. Some feel this is a positive step, a necessary measure to hold someone accountable. Others see it as a prelude to a more substantial reckoning, a recognition that actions have consequences, and perhaps justice is finally on the horizon. It’s a moment that captures attention and prompts reflection, doesn’t it?
Brazil’s Supreme Court Places Bolsonaro Under House Arrest is essentially a holding action, a way to curb certain behaviors. The core of the legal proceedings remains ongoing, and a final verdict and sentencing are still to come.… Continue reading
Brazil Supreme Court justice orders house arrest of former president Bolsonaro, and the world kind of collectively takes a breath. It’s a fascinating moment to watch, a collision of politics, justice, and the echoes of global power dynamics. The news itself is clear: Alexandre de Moraes, a justice on the Brazilian Supreme Court, has decided that former President Jair Bolsonaro will be confined to house arrest. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a significant step with potentially far-reaching consequences.
Brazil Supreme Court justice orders house arrest of former president Bolsonaro, and the details paint a picture of a man increasingly hemmed in.… Continue reading
Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for witness tampering and bribery, following a trial that presented evidence of his attempts to influence witnesses. The sentence, which Uribe has vowed to appeal, also includes an eight-year ban from holding public office and a significant fine. Judge Sandra Heredia cited the potential for Uribe to flee the country as the reason for the house arrest ruling. This historic case stems from allegations of Uribe’s ties to paramilitary groups and a libel suit that turned into an investigation against him.
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Former Colombian President Álvaro Uribe was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for witness tampering and bribery after a trial revealed his attempts to influence witnesses who accused him of links to a paramilitary group. Judge Sandra Heredia also banned Uribe from holding public office for eight years and fined him approximately $776,000. Uribe, who has denied all wrongdoing, has stated he will appeal the verdict and the appeals court is expected to issue a ruling by early October. The historic case has significantly impacted the polarizing figure’s legacy, with supporters and opponents expressing strong sentiments regarding the ruling.
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A Honduran mother and her two children, who filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s courthouse arrest policy, have been released from detention. The family, identified as “Ms. Z” and her children, were arrested after an immigration court hearing in Los Angeles despite having entered the U.S. legally. The family’s lawyers stated the arrest violated the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. While the lawsuit is still pending, the family was released and plans to return to their lives after seeking asylum.
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In Charlottesville, Virginia, immigration authorities detained a man at the courthouse immediately following the dismissal of state charges against him. The detaining officers, who did not initially identify themselves or display a warrant, sparked concern over a lack of transparency and potential intimidation of courthouse attendees. Conflicting accounts emerged regarding whether proper identification was shown to courthouse bailiffs prior to the arrest. The incident prompted an investigation by the Commonwealth Attorney and a Freedom of Information Act request from state lawmakers, while protests erupted outside the courthouse in response. The public defender representing the detained man expressed worry over the chilling effect this event may have on court participation.
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Arnuel Marquez Colmenarez, a Venezuelan national facing misdemeanor charges in New Hampshire, was tackled by ICE agents inside a courthouse, resulting in an injury to a bystander. The arrest occurred during his arraignment for drunk driving and related charges, with agents claiming he resisted arrest after a failed attempt at a quiet apprehension. Colmenarez is currently detained in Texas, and the incident follows a recent rollback of policies restricting ICE arrests in sensitive locations, including courthouses. This arrest, along with a similar incident in Boston, highlights the increased presence of ICE agents in courthouses under the current administration.
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A Boston judge held an ICE agent in contempt for detaining a trial defendant, Wilson Martell-Lebron, outside the courthouse. The judge argued the detention violated Martell-Lebron’s due process rights, leading to the dismissal of charges against him and the contempt citation against the ICE agent, Brian Sullivan. The incident sparked controversy, with Martell-Lebron’s lawyer calling the actions “reprehensible” and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office expressing dismay. The case has been referred for potential further charges and highlights ongoing tensions between local authorities and ICE regarding immigration enforcement in courthouses.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood