“`html
This represents a pivotal moment for Brazil.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted of attempting to orchestrate a coup and leading an armed criminal organization following his defeat in the last election. These efforts culminated in an attack on government buildings by his supporters.
He now faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence after Brazil’s Supreme Court reached the required majority of three votes to find him guilty.
For years, Bolsonaro’s leadership has deeply polarized the nation, creating stark divisions between his supporters and detractors.
His supporters, among them former President Donald Trump, have characterized the trial as a politically motivated persecution. Trump has cited the proceedings as justification for imposing 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods.
Conversely, his critics have lauded the proceedings as essential for achieving closure and establishing a precedent that attempts to subvert democracy will not be tolerated.
This ruling is anticipated to further exacerbate existing divisions within the country.
The trial has captivated the Brazilian public, with millions following the live streams via social media and television. The unfolding narrative has been as compelling as any fictional drama.
The public recalls the troubling events of January 8, 2023, when thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings, echoing the scenes of the January 6 Capitol riot in the United States two years prior.
Throughout the trial, startling pieces of evidence have been presented and examined in court.
This includes a plan, allegedly drafted by Bolsonaro’s associates and printed at the presidential palace, detailing the assassination of President-elect Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, his running mate, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes by elite armed forces personnel. “Poison” was allegedly listed as a potential method for the assassination of Lula.
Bolsonaro’s legal representative expressed strong objections, asserting that there was no concrete evidence linking Bolsonaro to the alleged plot or the January 8 riots.
The court was also reminded of Bolsonaro’s efforts to undermine confidence in the electoral process, including a meeting with foreign ambassadors at the presidential palace to disseminate false claims regarding electronic voting machines prior to the election. Additionally, accusations were made that public bodies deliberately obstructed voters from reaching polling stations under the guise of “vehicle inspections” on election day.
During the proceedings, the judges frequently referenced Brazil’s history. The nation’s democratic system is relatively young, having been restored in 1985 after two decades of dictatorship resulting from a military coup supported by the United States.
For Bolsonaro’s critics, the parallels were deeply unsettling.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over the case, stated that Brazil risked “slowly forgetting” its near return to dictatorship due to “a criminal organization, comprised of a political group, [that] doesn’t know how to lose elections.”
Brazil’s history has been marred by coups and coup attempts, but no one has ever been held accountable in court, and past plotters have been granted amnesty. Bolsonaro’s critics hope that this verdict sends a message: never again.
What are the potential implications of this ruling?
While Bolsonaro awaits sentencing, he could potentially face a prison term that extends for the remainder of his life.
He is expected to appeal the verdict and request a hearing before the entire Supreme Court, which includes justices he appointed during his presidency. For this request to be granted, two of the five justices would have to find him not guilty. In Brazil, imprisonment can only occur after all appeals are exhausted.
Jair Bolsonaro was not present in the courtroom during the verdicts. His lawyer cited health concerns as the reason for his absence. He has experienced various health issues since being stabbed at a presidential campaign rally in 2018, prior to assuming office.
Brazilian precedent allows for convicts to be granted house arrest due to age or health concerns, which he could potentially request upon sentencing.
Congress, where Bolsonaro’s party holds a majority, is also attempting to pass legislation that would grant him amnesty. One of the leading right-wing candidates for next year’s presidential election, who is seeking Bolsonaro’s endorsement, has suggested that he would grant Bolsonaro amnesty if elected.
Therefore, despite the significant milestone this ruling represents, the extent of his punishment remains uncertain.
The ex-president is accused of trying to overturn his election loss but his supporters say it is a witch hunt.
Agricultural brokers tell the BBC there has been a surge of interest from exporters in trade with China.
The former Brazilian president denies conspiring to overturn his 2022 election loss to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The former president is accused of plotting a coup to remain in power after he lost the 2022 election.
Police say they found a letter on the former Brazilian president’s phone requesting asylum in Argentina.
“`