Judge Renato Coelho Borelli said the president had refused to wear a mask in Brasília in defiance of the region’s laws.

The federal capital made the wearing of face masks in public spaces mandatory from 23 April 2020.

“The president is constitutionally obliged to follow the country’s existing laws, as well as promote the wellbeing of the population,” the judge said.

He added: “No one, not even the head of the executive, is above the authority of the constitution and the laws of the republic.”