Brazilian President Bolsonaro faces potential imprisonment following a charges-related to coup plotting conviction
In a historic verdict, the Supreme Court of Brazil has found former President Jair Bolsonaro guilty of plotting a coup, marking one of the biggest and most divisive trials in the country's recent history. The trial, which was closely watched by Brazilians across the nation via TV and social media, resulted in a 4-1 vote, with one judge finding Bolsonaro not guilty. The ex-politico was convicted of inciting the violent 2023 storming of the Supreme Court, presidential palace, and Congress in Brasília. Bolsonaro was charged with knowing of a plan to assassinate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Geraldo Alckmin, and Alexandre Moraes, the current Supreme Court president. The plot was aimed at overthrowing Lula following his October 2022 elections defeat in Brazil. Seven of Bolsonaro's co-accused, including former ministers and military chiefs, were also convicted. The conviction has driven a deep wedge through Brazilian society, with supporters and political allies of Bolsonaro, including some members of Congress, attempting to pass amnesty legislation for him after his conviction. Fearing Bolsonaro's conviction, his allies have been pushing for an amnesty law. However, the last judge to vote, Cristiano Zanin, stated that an armed criminal organization was formed by the defendants. The court found Bolsonaro guilty on all five charges, which could lead to a sentence of more than 40 years. The trial has led to an unprecedented crisis in relations between the United States and Brazil. US President Donald Trump has branded the trial a 'witch hunt' and imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian imports as retaliation. Bolsonaro did not attend the verdict hearings in Brasília and is currently under house arrest. Patrons in a Brasília bar burst into applause after Bolsonaro's conviction, while Virgilio Soares, a 46-year-old translator, expressed relief at Bolsonaro's conviction. On the other hand, Germano Cavalcante, a 60-year-old civil engineer, called the trial 'unfair.' One judge, Luiz Fux, dismissed the trial as 'political.' Bolsonaro claims he is a victim of political persecution. The rioters, who called in vain for the military to oust Lula, have added to the political turmoil in the country. The trial has been a significant event in Brazil's political landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's political future.
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