By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A majority of Brazil’s Supreme Court judges have voted to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a military coup, potentially resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. Justice Cármen Lúcia Antunes Rocha ruled Bolsonaro guilty of attempting to cling to power after losing the 2022 election. Two other judges, Alexandre de Moraes and Flávio Dino, also found him guilty of leading a criminal organization that sought to overthrow Brazilian democracy. The former president’s sentence is expected to be determined after the remaining judge casts his vote, with a possible sentence up to 43 years.
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Brazil’s supreme court finds Bolsonaro guilty of plotting military coup. That’s quite a headline, isn’t it? It’s the kind of news that makes you sit up and take notice, especially given the current global political climate. It seems like Brazil has taken a decisive step, holding a former president accountable for actions that strike at the very heart of democracy.
The immediate reaction seems to be a mix of relief, envy, and a healthy dose of “finally.” People are expressing joy at the thought of someone being held responsible for what they see as serious crimes against their country and its people. There’s a palpable sense of hope, and, interestingly, a fair amount of admiration from observers in other countries, particularly from the United States. There are some who are looking with envy at Brazil’s system.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the response also delves into comparisons with the United States, with many people wishing their own country had taken similar action against those accused of similar offenses. The comments reflect a certain level of frustration with the way things have unfolded in the US and a yearning for the kind of accountability that Brazil appears to be delivering.
The fact that the legal process was lengthy, involving years of evidence gathering and a full right to defense for the accused, seems to be a crucial point for those observing. It suggests a commitment to due process, even when dealing with such a sensitive and potentially explosive case. This is contrasted with situations where the law might have failed to keep pace.
The anticipated sentence, potentially up to 43 years, really underscores the gravity of the situation. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a potential life-altering penalty. Some commentators are already speculating about what comes next, even joking about possible reactions from other political figures. There is fear of international economic reprisal for being independent and seeking justice.
The comments also underscore that the road ahead isn’t necessarily smooth. The upcoming elections in Brazil are seen as a critical juncture, with the potential for those connected to Bolsonaro to continue to challenge the principles of democracy. There’s a clear awareness that the fight to protect Brazilian democracy isn’t over.
The discussion also touches on the specific legal arguments involved. The fact that one judge seemed to employ “mental gymnastics” to try to absolve Bolsonaro, even arguing that the concept of an “attempted coup” wasn’t even a crime in Brazilian law, raises concerns about potential biases within the judiciary. The fact that the judge did eventually vote to absolve Bolsonaro and voted to condemn his co-defendants is particularly alarming.
Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive about the outcome of the court’s decision. There’s a sense that Brazil is sending a message that those who threaten democracy will be held accountable, no matter their position or power. It will be interesting to see what impact this has on the country’s future and the international community.