Michelle Bolsonaro, Marcel van Hattem and Sóstenes Cavalcante pointed out the coincidence between the day of preventive arrest and the PL number at the polls; however, the history of the process does not reinforce the thesis
The preventive arrest of Jair Bolsonaro, decreed this Saturday (22) by minister Alexandre de Moraes, triggered an immediate reaction among the former president’s allies, many of them suggesting that the choice of date would have a symbolic nature. The thesis gained strength on the networks and in the speeches of figures close to the former president, who point out an alleged “fetish” of the STF minister for the number 22, used by Bolsonaro at the polls.
Although the coincidence was used politically, the history of the case shows that the main decisions in the case occurred on other dates, unrelated to the number cited. Bolsonaro was convicted by the 1st Panel of the STF on September 11, and his house arrest had been ordered on August 4.
Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro said that Moraes “acts with symbolism” and recalled that, when fining the PL, the minister applied a penalty of R$22 million. In a statement, he stated that the 22nd had been chosen again to target the former president, who was detained this Saturday morning. “Unfortunately, Minister Alexandre de Moraes acts symbolically. Today, the 22nd, he is being arrested [Jair Bolsonaro]”, he said, associating the date with the number of the Liberal Party (PL).
Representative Marcel van Hattem (Novo-RS), in an interview with Young Panreinforced the thesis, stating that Moraes had an “obsession” with the number. “Alexandre de Moraes has a fetish for the number 22”, he declared. He suggested that the operation had been planned to coincide with this symbolism and criticized what he called “premeditation” and “attack on democracy”.
Deputy Sóstenes Cavalcante (PL-RJ) raised the tone by accusing Moraes of “psychopathy” and classified the detention as “the greatest injustice in history”, stating that the choice of the 22nd would be deliberate. “Alexandre de Moraes today shows his psychopathy to a high degree. Arresting on the 22nd, precisely the number of the party, an innocent man, who searched his entire life and didn’t find a single robbery. It’s the greatest injustice in history.”
The preventive detention order was motivated by two main factors: the call for a vigil for Flávio Bolsonaro, which could generate “riot” and facilitate an escape, and signs that the former president tried to violate the electronic ankle monitor. Moraes also mentioned the risk of seeking shelter in embassies close to Bolsonaro’s residence. The defense reacted, calling the decision “perplexing” and “unnecessary”, claiming that he was monitored by authorities and that his health is delicate. The PL also released a statement stating that it will take “all necessary measures” to reverse the order.
Social networks mock coincidence
While allies talk about symbolic persecution, the coincidence with the former president’s number at the polls became the subject of jokes on social media. The expression “Happy 22nd” spread among users who mocked the fact that the arrest occurred precisely on the day associated with Bolsonaro.
Chronology shows that dates vary
Timeline analysis weakens the thesis of a numerical pattern.
• September 11: Bolsonaro is sentenced to 27 years and 3 months for attempted coup.
• August 4: Moraes orders house arrest as a precautionary measure.
• November 22: preventive detention takes place.
