A majority of Brazil’s supreme court judges have found former president Jair Bolsonaro guilty of trying to stage a military coup. This ruling could lead to a lengthy prison sentence for the once-popular leader.
On Thursday, Judge Cármen Lúcia Antunes Rocha stated that Bolsonaro aimed to cling to power after losing the 2022 election. Three out of five judges agreed with her, confirming that he was guilty of plotting against democracy.
Rocha highlighted the resilience of Brazil’s democratic institutions, declaring, “Brazilian democracy was not shaken.” Her words reflected the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism.
Other judges, Alexandre de Moraes and Flávio Dino, backed the guilty verdict, calling Bolsonaro the leader of a “criminal organization.” They pointed out that his actions could push Brazil toward dictatorship. Moraes detailed how this conspiracy unfolded from July 2021 to January 2023, culminating in a violent uprising by Bolsonaro’s supporters when Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office.
One judge, Luiz Fux, disagreed, claiming there was no evidence that Bolsonaro tried to assassinate or disrupt the newly elected president. He condemned the January 8th riots but argued that blaming Bolsonaro was unjustified. However, Fux did vote to convict two of Bolsonaro’s close allies for their roles in the plot.
Experts suggest that Bolsonaro could face up to 43 years in prison for his actions. Currently under house arrest, he’s been avoiding court appearances. Support for Bolsonaro remains strong, even as many celebrate the potential end of his political career.
Dr. Camila Rocha, a political scientist, noted that his supporters will likely continue fighting for his release. They might aim to elect right-wing senators next year, hoping to impeach judges seen as opponents of Bolsonaro. Some even suggest reaching out to Donald Trump for support.
In recent discussions, pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers have floated the idea of granting an amnesty to him and others involved in the coup attempt. However, critics warn this could undermine Brazil’s democracy. Fabio Victor, an author focused on military influence in Brazilian politics, believes that such an amnesty would send a damaging message about legality and governance.
As the situation unfolds, Brazil remains at a critical juncture, balancing the fight for democratic integrity against the lingering influence of populist movements. With further votes expected soon, how this saga plays out will significantly impact Brazil’s political landscape.
For more detailed context on these events, see The Guardian.
