On the anniversary of the 2023 riots, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vetoed a bill that would have reduced the prison sentence of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of plotting a coup. The former president’s supporters rioted in the capital, Brasilia, after his 2022 election loss, attempting to overthrow Lula. Lula’s decision was made in defiance of a bill passed by Congress, which could override the veto. However, analysts believe that overriding the veto would be a risky move ahead of upcoming general elections.
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Witnesses reported gunfire near Venezuela’s presidential palace in Caracas, with videos surfacing online showing weapons being fired. The Ministry of Communication later stated that police fired warning shots at unauthorized drones flying over the area, clarifying there was no confrontation. This incident occurred amidst political unrest following a U.S. operation to capture President Nicolás Maduro. Following Maduro’s capture, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was appointed president, and she has expressed interest in dialogue while condemning the operation.
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The reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces has sparked global concern, as it is seen as an illegal and destabilizing act that undermines international norms and potentially creates chaos. This aggressive assertion of US power, mirroring threats against Iran, is driven by Trump’s personal animosity and a desire to revive the Monroe Doctrine. Regional leaders and authoritarian regimes alike are alarmed, fearing they could be next, while Trump’s actions are setting dangerous precedents for other global powers. This reckless behavior and disregard for the consequences could lead to civil war, further escalate existing conflicts, and solidify Trump’s image as a global warmaker rather than a peacemaker.
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In response to President Trump’s illegal invasion of Venezuela, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has called for his impeachment. The Senator condemned Trump’s actions, which included seizing the capital, taking President Maduro prisoner, and seizing the country’s oil assets, as an attempt to distract from his own failures and enrich his donors. Wiener argued that this “lawless act” endangers global security, potentially inviting aggression from other nations, and is motivated solely by Trump’s self-interest, not the welfare of Venezuelans or democratic principles. Therefore, Trump must be impeached.
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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to begin serving his 27-year sentence in a police base after being convicted of plotting a coup. The Supreme Court found Bolsonaro guilty of leading a conspiracy to prevent his left-wing rival from taking power, which involved a failed plot to assassinate the incoming president. Bolsonaro’s co-conspirators, including former ministers and military officials, were also ordered to start their sentences, with some already in custody. While Bolsonaro’s incarceration sparked mixed reactions, with both jubilation and condemnation, experts suggest his influence has significantly waned, and mass protests have not materialized.
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Jair Bolsonaro was arrested at his Brasília residence on Saturday due to concerns about a potential escape, as his prison sentence for leading a coup attempt was imminent. Federal Police executed a preventive arrest warrant, authorized by the Supreme Court, citing the planned vigil organized by Bolsonaro’s son as a trigger. The court also cited reports of the violation of Bolsonaro’s electronic monitoring equipment. Bolsonaro was convicted earlier this year and sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in plotting a coup and related charges.
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Following a 27-year sentence for attempting to undermine Brazil’s democracy, former president Jair Bolsonaro is expected to be incarcerated imminently. Speculation surrounds his potential placement in the notorious Papuda maximum security prison, prompting concern from his allies who are reportedly attempting to influence the decision. While some fear the conditions at Papuda, others maintain that his imprisonment is a necessary affirmation of the country’s laws. Despite his previous stance on prison conditions, Bolsonaro’s allies now express concern over his well-being, while political opponents argue for dignified treatment within the confines of his sentence.
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Putin fears a coup, and honestly, can you blame him? He’s been orchestrating a certain level of fear in others for years. It’s a natural consequence, almost a karmic boomerang, of ruling with an iron fist, and the whispers of a coup are getting louder. With the country sinking deeper into debt, the constant barrage of drone strikes, and the ever-tightening grip of sanctions, the foundations of his power seem to be cracking.
It’s clear that Russia’s economic woes are playing a significant role. The sanctions, meant to cripple the war effort, are having a wider impact, squeezing the entire economy.… Continue reading
Madagascar’s president has declared an attempt to seize power by force as an elite military unit, Capsat, announced it was taking over the army. This follows weeks of youth-led protests against water and electricity shortages, which evolved into calls for the president’s resignation. Capsat, which previously helped bring Rajoelina to power, stated they would not fire on protesters and called for military support. The protests, led by the Gen Z Madagascar movement, and the country’s high levels of corruption and poverty have fueled the unrest.
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Following the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on coup charges, Brazil is anticipating potential U.S. sanctions. The U.S. has expressed unhappiness with the conviction and threatened a response, prompting Brazil’s Foreign Ministry to condemn the remarks as threats against its democracy and independent judiciary. Brazil’s government is preparing a plan to support affected businesses and find alternative markets to mitigate potential losses from U.S. tariffs. Experts suggest additional sanctions on justices involved in the case and possibly new tariffs could be imposed by the United States.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood