In a development that will likely intensify existing political friction, Brazilian prosecutors have brought charges against the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. This action follows the recent escalation of a U.S. campaign targeting one of Brazil’s prominent justices. The Bolsonaros have long been associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
US targets wife of Brazilian Supreme Court justice with sanctions, and it’s hard not to see the layers of complexity – and potential hypocrisy – wrapped around this move. It’s like a political drama, a bit of a dark comedy, and a whole lot of geopolitical maneuvering all rolled into one. The core of the issue is pretty straightforward: the United States has decided to impose sanctions on the wife of a prominent Brazilian Supreme Court justice.
This situation immediately brings to mind the context of the former U.S. president, who, himself, is facing serious legal challenges. It’s not lost on anyone that the U.S.… Continue reading
Across Brazil’s 26 states and Federal District, citizens protested a potential pardon for former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies, following the passage of controversial legislation in the lower house. These demonstrations were spurred by a constitutional amendment making it more difficult to prosecute lawmakers and a bill that could grant amnesty to individuals involved in the January 2023 uprising, including Bolsonaro, who was convicted of attempting to overturn his election loss. Prominent artists like Caetano Veloso, Anitta, and Wagner Moura participated in the protests, emphasizing the need for accountability and representing the will of the people. Despite significant support for Bolsonaro among a segment of the population, polls indicate a majority favors his conviction and imprisonment.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated he has “no relationship” with former US President Donald Trump. Lula criticized Trump’s imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, deeming them “eminently political” and detrimental to US consumers. Despite Trump’s claims of openness, Lula revealed the two leaders have never spoken directly and asserted that the Trump administration was unwilling to communicate civilly. Lula contrasted his strained relationship with Trump with his successful diplomatic ties globally, highlighting his continued alliances with Russia and China.
Medical tests on Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro revealed the presence of early-stage squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. The diagnosis, stemming from the removal of skin lesions, was described as “in situ,” indicating no spread of abnormal cells. Following the diagnosis, Bolsonaro was briefly hospitalized due to symptoms including vomiting and dizziness. He has since been discharged but remains under medical monitoring and the need for periodic reevaluation.
Brazil’s recent conviction of former President Bolsonaro for attempting to overturn his election defeat stands in stark contrast to the US, where institutions have struggled to hold Trump accountable. The parallels between Bolsonaro and Trump are striking, yet Brazil’s institutions, with a history of overcoming dictatorship, were able to defend democracy through strong judicial action and a non-partisan military. Key lessons for the US include the necessity of a pro-democracy Supreme Court, the importance of other democratic institutions standing firm, and conservatives breaking from populist movements. Ultimately, Brazil’s experience highlights the potential for democracy to prevail when leaders in key institutions demonstrate the courage to defend it.
An Australian pilot died after his plane crashed in Brazil, reportedly carrying around 200kg of cocaine disguised in fake SpaceX packaging. The plane, which was registered to Zambia, crashed in a sugarcane field, scattering debris and drugs. Authorities are investigating the international drug trafficking, seeking to determine the origin and destination of the flight, as well as identifying the owner of the illicit material. This seizure of cocaine adds to the already high amounts seized by the Federal Police in 2024.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to a hospital in Brasilia due to feeling ill, his son reported. Bolsonaro has experienced recurring intestinal problems stemming from a 2018 stabbing, leading to multiple surgeries, with the most recent in April. He presented with symptoms including severe hiccups, vomiting, and low blood pressure. This hospitalization follows medical treatments and a recent Supreme Court sentence of 27 years in prison for his alleged involvement in a coup plot.
In a recent ruling, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was ordered to pay R$1 million for “racist” remarks made in 2021. The comments, made during a live stream, targeted a Black supporter’s hair, which Bolsonaro described as a “breeding ground for cockroaches.” Despite his defense arguing a lack of racial intent, the court deemed the remarks as “recreational racism,” emphasizing the harm inflicted on the dignity of Black people. This conviction, stemming from a case filed by public prosecutors, is separate from the 27-year prison sentence Bolsonaro received for allegedly leading an attempted coup.
A Victorian man has been identified as the pilot in a fatal plane crash in Brazil. The single-engine plane crashed in a sugarcane field on September 14th, reportedly carrying approximately 180kg of cocaine. Photos from the scene depict packages bearing SpaceX branding, and the plane was registered in Zambia. A Victorian driver’s license belonging to a 46-year-old from eastern Melbourne was recovered from the wreckage, according to local reports.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood