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[POLITICS] · Brazil · 69 sources

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Jair Bolsonaro's pistol seizure triggers review of his house arrest

A Glock 9 mm pistol registered to former president Jair Bolsonaro was seized during a traffic blitz by the Federal District Police on 15 June. The weapon was found in the vehicle of a military security guard attached to Bolsonaro's security team and lacked the required transport certificate.

Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27‑year sentence under a humanitarian house‑arrest regime that ends on 25 June, gave a brief five‑minute deposition to the Police Civil of the Federal District on 23 June. He confirmed ownership of the pistol and said he kept it because “I have three women at home and I could not be unarmed.”

Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Court said the possession could constitute a “grave fault” under the Penal Execution Law and ordered the Prosecutor‑General’s Office to submit an opinion within 48 hours. The minister warned that a finding of grave fault could lead to revocation of the house arrest and a return to a penitentiary regime.

Bolsonaro’s defence argues the gun was properly registered, inoperable, and that he only asked his guard to inspect a mechanical defect, stressing there was no intent to break the law. The final decision on whether the house arrest will be maintained remains pending.

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