Brace yourself: The dramatic saga of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, now under electronic surveillance, is unfolding like a political thriller.

In an unexpected twist of events, Jair Bolsonaro, the controversial former president of Brazil, finds himself at the heart of a legal storm that could change the country's political landscape forever. The drama began when federal police raided Bolsonaro's residence in Brasilia, seizing cash and imposing strict restrictions as he stands trial for an alleged coup attempt following the 2022 election. Bolsonaro, along with seven others, faces the daunting prospect of up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

The trial is not just a national spectacle; it has drawn international attention, notably from Bolsonaro's political ally, former US President Donald Trump. Trump has been vocal in his support, branding the trial a 'witch hunt' and threatening a hefty 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to the United States, a move that has sparked further controversy. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo, has taken to social media, expressing outrage over what he perceives as judicial overreach by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of using the Supreme Court as a personal tool against political adversaries.

This legal showdown has its roots in Bolsonaro's alleged plot to overthrow the election results that saw leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emerge victorious. The accusations include a bizarre claim of a plan to poison his successor, adding another layer of intrigue to the already sensational case. As the trial proceeds, Bolsonaro's defense team is gearing up to present their closing arguments, a pivotal moment that could determine the former leader's fate. The case bears a striking resemblance to Trump's own legal battles over the January 6 Capitol riots, with both leaders portraying themselves as victims of political persecution.

Adding fuel to the fire, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced visa restrictions on Judge de Moraes and other Brazilian officials, intensifying the international diplomatic tensions. Amidst this turmoil, Bolsonaro continues to maintain his innocence, vehemently denying any involvement in the alleged coup attempt. He describes the electronic monitoring and travel restrictions as a 'supreme humiliation,' yet remains defiant, expressing a desire to run for office again despite being declared ineligible for spreading misinformation.