Jair Bolsonaro’s defense team has requested that Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes dismiss a potential “serious misconduct” charge related to a 9mm Glock pistol seized in Brasília. The lawyers are also seeking to maintain Bolsonaro’s humanitarian house arrest as he serves a prison sentence of 27 years and 3 months.
Why is the Glock pistol under investigation?
The investigation follows the discovery of the 9mm weapon on June 15 in a vehicle driven by Estácio Leite da Silva Filho, who provides security for Bolsonaro. The defense’s manifestation was filed this Saturday (27) in response to a dispatch from Moraes, which opened a deadline for the defense and the Procuradoria-Geral da República (PGR) to comment on the potential violation of Article 50 of the Law of Criminal Execution.
A pistol Glock calibre 9 mm was found in a vehicle driven by Estácio Leite da Silva Filho, who is part of Bolsonaro’s security detail.
What is the defense’s argument regarding the weapon?
Defense lawyers argue that the pistol was a legal, inoperable weapon that Bolsonaro owned prior to his conviction. The legal team also stated that there was no judicial order requiring the firearm to be handed over to authorities.
The lawyers claim there was no bad faith involved, asserting that an authorized GSI (Gabinete de Segurança Institucional) official removed the weapon from the residence specifically to have it repaired.
The defense argues that a ruling against the former president on the “serious misconduct” charge could affect the continuation of his humanitarian house arrest.
How did Bolsonaro justify possessing the firearm?
In a deposition to the Civil Police, Bolsonaro admitted to owning the weapon and keeping it in his home during his house arrest. He justified the possession by stating he could not “stay unarmed” because he has three women in the house: his wife, Michelle, his daughter, Laura, and his enteada, Letícia.
What happens next in the legal proceedings?
The case may remain pending until further investigation is completed. In a manifestation sent to the STF on Thursday (25), Procurador-Geral da República Paulo Gonet argued that the court should wait for the conclusion of the inquiry being conducted by the 17ª Delegacia de Polícia do Distrito Federal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current sentence for Jair Bolsonaro?
Bolsonaro is currently serving a sentence of 27 years and 3 months of reclusão.
Why did Bolsonaro say he kept the gun?
Bolsonaro told the Civil Police he kept the weapon to protect his wife, Michelle, his daughter, Laura, and his enteada, Letícia.
What did the Procurador-Geral da República suggest?
Procurador-Geral da República Paulo Gonet suggested that the court wait for the 17ª Delegacia de Polícia do Distrito Federal to finish its investigation.
