Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted of attempting to instigate a coup and leading an armed criminal group following his electoral defeat, which included a violent attack by his supporters on government buildings. The conviction came from Brazil’s Supreme Court, which achieved the necessary majority vote, and Bolsonaro is now facing a significant prison sentence.
The trial has attracted substantial attention, being broadcast live and parallel to significant political events in the country. Notably, on January 8, 2023, thousands of supporters of Bolsonaro launched attacks on government facilities, drawing comparisons to the January 6 Capitol riots in the United States. Evidence presented during the trial included alarming details about a purported plot by Bolsonaro’s allies to assassinate the president-elect, Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva, among others. Bolsonaro’s legal team has denied any connection between the former president and both the attacks and the alleged assassination plot.
Additionally, the trial examined Bolsonaro’s efforts to undermine the integrity of Brazil’s electoral system, such as holding meetings with foreign ambassadors to cast doubt on electronic voting, and actions allegedly intended to obstruct voter access on Election Day. The case has resonated deeply in a country with a turbulent history of coups, with judges recalling past threats to democracy.
Bolsonaro’s sentence has yet to be determined, and he retains the option to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, which could delay any imprisonment. The prospect of house arrest, due to health concerns, could also be possible. Furthermore, some members of Congress are exploring potential legislative measures aimed at granting Bolsonaro amnesty. Despite the conviction marking a notable point in Brazil’s judicial history, the implications for Bolsonaro’s future remain uncertain.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3yekj2xygo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss