The conviction and sentencing of Jair bolsonaro, former President of Brazil is a historic moment. It’s not common to see authoritarian, populist leaders to be tried and punished in courts. Over a period of two years we have seen rebellious overthrow of entrenched governments in Srilanka, Bangladesh now Nepal and maybe Indonesia and Philippines.
The leaders left the country in most cases, but the institutions rising to the occasion and enforcing rule of law is a significant demonstration of democratic resilience, especially when it is losing public confidence
Sentenced for over 27 years, by a 5 judge bench of Brazil’s Supreme Court on charges of attempted coup and running an armed criminal organization, the trial held the country and even the entire Latin America glued to their screens.
The court realized its sensitivity and tried to maintain utmost transparency. The entire trial was live televised and the lone dissenting judge spoke for a marathon 13 hours. Several cooffenders, including military officers were also sentenced.
Bolsonaro is a deeply polarizing figure, evoking both strong support and despise. His politics has been identified with far right, though he won on a Social Liberal Party ticket.
He was counted, alongside trump, erdogan, Putin, Johnson, Xi, Orban and modi as the growing arc of right wing across the world. President trump has already expressed his surprise at the verdict and compared it to his own prosecution on similar charges for 6th January 2020, Capitol Hill insurrection.
His sons and lawyers are exploring options like appeal to a full court, congressional amnesty and are even lobbying in the US for intervention.
Brazil’s economy over the last 4 decades has been a roller coaster. From the aphorism that if there is a god he must be a Brazilian, to the longest recession. Inflation reaching 2000% occasionally, and decadal growth alternating between 1-3%.
High profile political corruption, rising inequality , worsening ecological conditions and poor public good provision. All make for populist political rhetoric. Bolsonaro will remain influential. If barred from running for office next year, his sons are ready to take over.
