Moraes's passport seizure hands Bolsonaro a persecution narrative

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the seizure of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's passports on the night of his election defeat, a move critics call imprudent and politically motivated. The senator, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, subsequently fled to the United States, violating the order. The Federal Police cited flight risk based on vague evidence, including an associate's presence abroad and a public recommendation from Flávio's brother. Critics argue the decision lacked solid personal evidence, bypassed standard procedures, and ignored Moraes's history of conflicts with the Bolsonaro family, undermining judicial impartiality. The episode provides Flávio with a narrative of political persecution, while Moraes faces unresolved criminal allegations. This controversy further erodes public trust in the Supreme Court's neutrality, highlighting concerns about justice being influenced by personal antagonisms.