Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro’s accounts frozen over unpaid pandemic fine

In a court ruling, São Paulo’s Court of Justice (TJSP) has ordered a freeze on approximately US$18,200 (87,400 reais) from the bank accounts of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president.

The decision comes in response to Bolsonaro’s failure to pay a fine issued for not wearing a mask during a crucial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Ana Maria Brugin issued the order after Bolsonaro did not comply with the fine for breaching health protocols.

This request was made by the São Paulo Revenue Department and approved by Judge Brugin on June 12.

Bolsonaro had shown skepticism towards the severity of the pandemic and hadn’t received a vaccination.

He was fined after a visit to Vale do Ribeira, São Paulo, on August 20, 2021, with his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, who also didn’t wear a mask, which was mandatory in the state.

Bolsonaro faces three lawsuits filed by the State Attorney General’s Office in January this year to pay fines totaling about US$88,000 (431,000 reais).

These cases are being tried separately.

Brazil’s current president, Lula da Silva, has previously criticized Bolsonaro for dismissing COVID-19’s severity, attributing a significant proportion of Brazil’s 700,000 COVID-19-related deaths to such denials.

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