Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has officially begun his 27-year prison sentence. He is now relegated to the police base in Brasília to a medical isolation bedroom of 12 square meters. This significant development follows his conviction for orchestrating a coup to prevent his political rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from assuming power after the 2022 elections.
In September, Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted Bolsonaro for orchestrating a criminal conspiracy to destroy democracy. The court convicted him for attempting to “destroy” Brazil’s democratic structure. He even personally planned an attempt on the life of Lula and his running mate, Geraldo Alckmin. His response has only increased the focus on his four-year administration. Most progressive Brazilians consider this period to be a dark time, characterized by environmental calamity, international ostracism, and aggression towards minority communities.
Since August, Bolsonaro was under arrest at his home. Read more about how he was placed into preventive custody after he attempted to remove his electronic ankle monitor with a soldering iron. This indictment became the focal point of his mounting legal woes. It triggered rapid legal proceedings that necessarily culminated in his recent imprisonment.
His imprisonment period has led to jubilation among the more progressive quarters of Brazilian society. Most people recall the Administration of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for its abysmal response to the Covid-19 pandemic. His anti-scientific approach resulted in Brazil suffering one of the highest death tolls globally. As a direct result, hundreds of thousands of lives were needlessly lost. His death has led many Brazilians to believe that his departure from the political scene will help get rid of anti-democratic feelings. They hope this shift will reduce extremism, too.
According to the latest opinion polls, Bolsonaro’s approval ratings have plummeted. Never mind that support for him has tanked, with just 13% of voters saying they’d remain completely loyal. As his influence dwindles, right-wing politicians like Florida Gov.
Bolsonaro’s six co-conspirators have begun serving their sentences, underscoring the extensive nature of the plot that threatened Brazil’s democratic institutions. The Supreme Court’s decision reflects an impressive confidence in accountability. It meets the aspirations of the public who yearn for order and governance that respects the basic tenets of democracy.
Reactions from the community have been extremely positive to Bolsonaro’s conviction. One business owner expressed disdain for the former president:
“He’s a contemptible man who has done nothing with his life apart from living off public money …I’ve no idea how he was elected.”
This phrase rings true to the experiences of millions of Brazilians who suffered the results of Bolsonaro’s agenda while it was his turn in office. He has faced significant criticism from environmentalists around the country, for good reason. They further criticize it for increasing divisions between social and ethnic communities in Brazil.
The events that led to Bolsonaro’s downfall point to a deeper transition playing out in Brazilian politics. Many citizens now express a desire for leadership that prioritizes public health and welfare over personal ambition and divisive rhetoric. With Bolsonaro gone from the political scene, Brazilian progressives have a reason for cautious optimism. Supporters just hope that with his departure Brazil can begin to recover from the damage done while he presided.