In a separate case, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted. He continued to helm a criminal regime that sought to violently retain power following his loss in the 2022 presidential election. We are grateful to a panel of judges who issued a powerful ruling today. This ruling would expose him to a severe sentence of up to 43 years for offenses, including trying to plan a coup d’état and violently assaulting Brazil’s democracy.
Inside the court room, the trial unfolded in Bolsonaro’s absence, as he was still confined to his mansion on the outskirts of Brasília. His absence gave rise to doubts of his seriousness about the rule of law. It raised concerns about the future impact of his behavior while in office, which began in earnest following his winning election in 2018.
These charges against Bolsonaro accuse him of having masterminded a strategy to return to power. His strategy, they explain, largely hinges on electing a huge cohort of right-wing senators in next week’s primary elections. These senators would be able to start the impeachment process against Supreme Court members that Bolsonaro sees as opponents.
“Jair Bolsonaro was leader of this criminal structure” – Alexandre de Moraes
The judges’ decision reflects a significant moment in Brazilian politics, where the remnants of Bolsonaro’s political movement continue to exert influence despite his legal troubles. Pro-Bolsonaro protesters marching in São Paulo, carrying green and yellow flags. Now every single one of them passionately professes their undying fidelity to their aborted former leader.
The final conviction was confirmed by two judges, Alexandre de Moraes and Flávio Dino. Dissenter Luiz Fux stated that “there was no evidence whatsoever” of Bolsonaro’s knowledge or participation in the supposed coup conspiracy. This split among the judges underscores how hotly contested this intense case remains.
The ruling described Bolsonaro’s actions as an attempt to “sow the malignant seed of anti-democracy,” as articulated by Justice Cármen Lúcia Antunes Rocha. The court’s findings illustrate the gravity of the threat posed to Brazil’s democratic institutions during Bolsonaro’s presidency.
Even as the court moves to settle Bolsonaro’s sentence, it is unclear how this might impact his political future. Dr. Camila Rocha was careful not to announce the political death of Bolsonaro. All of this implied that, despite his removal, he could continue to draw considerable strength from Brazilian society.
“The victim is the Brazilian state” – Alexandre de Moraes
Recent developments have emboldened these pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers to push for amnesty. They are lobbying for impunity for Bolsonaro and the coup plotters who organized and executed the coup attempt and terrorist riots in Brasília on January 8, 2023. This legislative effort symbolizes deep-seated divisions within Brazilian politics and highlights the possibility for further unrest by Bolsonaro’s base.
The length of the ultimate sentence will likely be determined on Friday after all judges have submitted their votes. Their outcome will largely determine Bolsonaro’s fate. It will point out the larger effects on Brazil’s democratic structure and bring to light the constant battle between various political views in Brazil.