Former Brazilian President Placed Under House Arrest. Barred from Even Phone Calls

Brazil's Supreme Court placed the former president under house arrest. Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of plotting a coup, allegedly failed to comply with the preventive measures previously imposed on him. Donald Trump was dissatisfied with the decision, which led the US to declare it a violation of human rights. "Let Bolsonaro speak," the White House appealed.

Brazil's Supreme Court decided on Monday to place former president Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest , accused of planning a coup.

SEE: Has China outplayed the US? 'Dark Fleet' a way to deal with sanctions, with big money at stake

Judge Alexandre de Moraes found that Bolsonaro had failed to comply with preventive measures imposed on him in July. These included a ban on posting on social media and contacting foreign officials.

In addition to placing Bolsonaro under house arrest, de Moraes also banned the former president from using his cell phone - either directly or through others - and from receiving visitors , except lawyers, without court authorization.

The former president's case has sparked a dispute between Brazil and the U.S. in recent weeks. Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on goods imported from Brazil, directly linking it to the proceedings against Bolsonaro, which he called a "witch hunt."

SEE: Chikungunya virus spreads in China. Warnings to be issued in the US

Bolsonaro, who is a political ally of Trump, is accused of leading a plot to stage a coup and cling to power after the 2022 elections, in which he lost to incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The State Department's Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau said de Moraes was using Brazilian institutions to "silence opposition and threaten democracy." The statement accused the judge of violating human rights .

The White House also noted that the Brazilian judge is subject to U.S. sanctions . "Further restricting Jair Bolsonaro's ability to publicly defend himself is not public service. Let Bolsonaro speak! " the office said in a statement.

The US also condemned Bolsonaro's house arrest and announced that it would hold accountable those supporting these actions.