The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, is in even more legal hot water with Sao Paolo police as he is accused of allegedly harassing a marine mammal, specifically a humpback whale, off the coast of Sao Paolo. These accusations come as he faces various investigations into his alleged corruption and his alleged coup attempt.

The incident reportedly happened last year while the former president was riding a personal watercraft off Sao Paulo's coast. According to Brazil's federal police, Bolsonaro, who was not president anymore, approached a humpback whale with his personal vessel last year, thereby harassing it, and this is illegal in Brazil, as the whales are protected animals.

Bolsonaro has already met with the Brazilian Federal Police over the case, along with his lawyer and former adviser, who was also present at the time of the incident. The former president was caught in a viral video trying to get close to a humpback whale while riding a watercraft and trying to record the encounter.

Brazil law states that motored vessels must keep a minimum distance of 100 meters from whales and other cetaceans, which are considered protected animals in the country. Those who attempt to get closer can be sentenced to up to two to five years in prison and a fine, according to Le Monde. Bolsonaro's personal watercraft was reportedly only about 15 meters from the animal, as shown in the video, thereby breaking the law.

However, it was noted that at the most, the former president could just be fined around 2,500 reais, or just a little over US $500. Despite this, he still managed to anger environmental activists even further, with whom he has been at odds since he took office.

Jair Bolsonaro Supporters Think Humpback Whale Case Another Example of Persecution

Jair Bolsonaro, known as the "Trump of the Tropics, has often used the Donald Trump playbook when dealing with legal matters, often blaming his legal woes on legal persecution despite the overwhelming evidence against him. The humpback whale case is no different, even though he might only get a slap on the wrist.

According to the Associated Press, his large political base thinks this is the case, and Bolsonaro's repetition of that argument since leaving office further enhances their belief about his political persecution.

The accusations came after Bolsonaro was questioned in Brasilia over his coup attempt to remove his successor, Lula, from power. His passport was seized in a previous police operation where he chose to remain silent.

Jair Bolsonaro Denies Coup Allegations

The humpback whale case may be the least of former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro's legal worries, though, as he also faces coup allegations, which are considered much more severe. During a recent political rally, he called those allegations a "lie."

In that same speech, Bolsonaro also called for the hundreds of his supporters convicted for attacks on public buildings to receive amnesty over last year's January 8 riot in the capital, where they invaded government buildings and destroyed and vandalized government properties as they tried to begin a coup to install Bolsonaro back in power.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: I'm a victim, Jair Bolsonaro tells crowds amid 'coup' inquiry - The Times and The Sunday Times