Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro was arrested on Saturday after tampering with his electronic ankle monitor, raising concerns about his potential escape amid a backdrop of political turmoil. Meanwhile, Australia faces criticism for its involvement in the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a decision made by former President Donald Trump, which experts warn could implicate Australia in human rights violations.

Bolsonaro's Arrest Details
Jair Bolsonaro was arrested early Saturday morning at his villa in Brasília after a federal judge issued a preventive arrest warrant. The arrest followed suspicions that Bolsonaro was planning to flee to a foreign embassy to avoid punishment for his role in a failed military coup. The 70-year-old politician, who has been under house arrest since August, was found to have damaged his electronic ankle monitor using a soldering iron, an act he claimed was done "out of curiosity." The Supreme Court's decision to arrest him was influenced by fears that a planned vigil by his supporters could serve as a distraction for his escape.

The Supreme Court's justice, Alexandre de Moraes, highlighted that the ankle monitor was tampered with just hours before the arrest, indicating a premeditated attempt to evade justice. Bolsonaro, who has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for his actions surrounding the 2022 elections, has not yet begun serving his sentence due to ongoing legal appeals.

Australia's Complicity in F-35 Sales
In a separate development, experts are raising alarms over Australia's role in the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal brokered by Donald Trump. The sale, which could involve up to 48 jets, relies heavily on Australian-made components, prompting concerns that Australia could become complicit in human rights abuses linked to the Saudi regime. Critics point to Saudi Arabia's record of human rights violations, particularly in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

Duncan Frewin from Quakers Australia stated that every F-35 contains critical parts manufactured in Australia, and the lack of oversight over where these parts are shipped raises ethical questions. Dr. Sue Wareham from the Medical Association for Prevention of War echoed these sentiments, arguing that it is unrealistic to assume that the weaponry will be used lawfully by the Saudi government.

Defense analysts also express concern that Australia is losing control over the military applications of the equipment it supplies. Michael Shoebridge from Strategic Analysis Australia noted that the global supply chain for the F-35 allows governments to deny direct accountability for the military actions of foreign nations, complicating Australia's defense policy.

Wrap-up
The recent arrest of Jair Bolsonaro and the controversy surrounding Australia's involvement in the F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia highlight significant political and ethical dilemmas on the international stage. Bolsonaro's actions reflect ongoing tensions within Brazil, while Australia's role in arms sales raises critical questions about human rights and accountability in global military engagements.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team