The U.S. is stepping up its support for Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, who is currently under house arrest. The State Department criticized the decision to confine him, emphasizing his right to speak freely. “Let Bolsonaro speak!” they tweeted, as he remains in his mansion in Brasília with police having seized his phone.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes imposed house arrest after Bolsonaro ignored a court order restricting his social media use and communication with foreign diplomats. “Justice is blind but it isn’t stupid,” Moraes stated, highlighting Bolsonaro’s deliberate actions.
Bolsonaro is accused of plotting to seize power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Allegations suggest he conspired to assassinate Lula, his vice president, and Moraes. This plot allegedly peaked on January 8, 2023, when thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace, trying to instigate military intervention.
Former President Trump, while still in office, claimed Bolsonaro is the victim of a “witch-hunt.” He has imposed sanctions on Moraes, arguing that Bolsonaro’s trial damages Brazil’s justice system. “This trial should not be happening!” Trump asserted in a letter to Lula, describing Bolsonaro’s situation as an “international disgrace.”
The U.S. Department of State hinted that other members of Brazil’s Supreme Court may also face sanctions. This has caused unrest among progressive Brazilians who feel their sovereignty is being challenged. However, Bolsonaro’s supporters see Trump’s backing as a beacon of hope, hoping it will persuade Congress to grant an amnesty for their leader.
As Bolsonaro faces a tough trial and a possible life sentence, many supporters rallied outside his condominium to express their anger. One protester, Ricardo, said, “Our solution can no longer come from within. It has to come from abroad.”
Bolsonaro’s brother-in-law, Eduardo Torres, claimed the former president is being held as a “hostage” and vowed that supporters would take to the streets to defend their freedom. They are joined by Brazil’s vibrant online community, with hashtags like #FreeBolsonaro trending on social media platforms.
Looking ahead, many speculate that Bolsonaro’s political career may not be over. Allies like Amazonian congressman Lenildo Mendes dos Santos Sertão, “Delegado Caveira,” assert that Bolsonaro remains a soldier “in the trenches” and could emerge as a candidate in future elections. Another supporter, Maurício Souza, called for a nationwide strike from truck drivers to agribusiness, promising that “Brazil is going to grind to a halt.”
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Bolsonaro raises significant questions about justice, sovereignty, and political alliances in Brazil. As this trial progresses, both domestic and international responses will play crucial roles in shaping Brazil’s political landscape. For more insights on democracy in Brazil, check out The Guardian.
