Latest news with #SupremeFederalCourt
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bolsonaro faces historic trial in Brazil
June 13 (UPI) -- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is in the final stage of a historic trial before Brazil's Supreme Federal Court over his alleged role in an attempted coup following his 2022 election loss. The trial, now in its final phase of evidence collection, will determine Bolsonaro's legal fate and could end his political aspirations to reclaim the presidency. Since mid-May, Bolsonaro and several former aides have faced legal proceedings unprecedented in Brazil's recent history. On Tuesday, Bolsonaro appeared in court to respond to the charges. Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of plotting to overturn the 2022 election results to stay in power. He faces charges of rebellion and attempting a coup. Local news media report he could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all counts. During the hearing, Bolsonaro apologized to Justice Alexandre de Moraes and other members of the court for previously alleging election fraud, admitting he had no evidence. At one point, Bolsonaro even asked De Moraes if he would consider being his running mate in 2026 -- the justice replied, "I reject the offer." Bolsonaro admitted discussing with advisers and military leaders the possibility of finding a "legal mechanism" to overturn Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's election victory, but insisted, "There was never a possibility of a coup in my government." That statement, though defiant, could alienate parts of Bolsonaro's base who continue to defend the Jan. 8, 2023, rioters, said Bruno Pazos Barboz, a professor at the Social Observatory of Rio. On that day, thousands of radical Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília -- just one week after Lula took office -- vandalizing property and stealing documents and official government symbols. "This trial, which has drawn both national and international attention, is not only about individual accountability," Pazos said. "It's also a test of the strength of Brazil's democratic institutions. That's why what's happening -- and how it ends -- is so important." Bolsonaro is already barred from holding public office until 2030 by the Superior Electoral Court, due to his baseless attacks on the country's electronic voting system. A conviction in the current case could result in prison time and further extend that ban, effectively ending his short-term presidential ambitions. Despite the charges, some of his supporters and political analysts have not ruled out his return. A Genial/Quaest poll conducted between May and June 2025 found that 65% of Brazilians believe Bolsonaro should drop out of the 2026 presidential race and allow another right-wing candidate to take his place, The Rio Times reported -- signaling broad rejection beyond his core base of supporters. Still, "Bolsonarismo" remains active, said Pazos Barboz. The movement holds significant influence in Congress and maintains a loyal base that continues to mobilize periodically. Its rhetoric often centers on themes of "victimization" and claims of "political persecution." Two additional factors continue to sustain Bolsonarismo. One is the growth of Brazil's Protestant evangelical population, a demographic traditionally aligned with Bolsonaro and estimated at about 50 million people. The other is the lack of a unifying leader capable of bringing together the country's right-wing parties -- a gap that could reshape the 2026 electoral landscape. If convicted, Bolsonaro could appeal to the same court and possibly to the full bench. The entire legal process -- including trial and appeals -- could extend into late 2025 or early 2026.
UPI
19 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
Bolsonaro faces historic trial in Brazil
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (pictured in 2019) is in the final stage of a historic trial before Brazil's Supreme Federal Court. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo June 13 (UPI) -- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is in the final stage of a historic trial before Brazil's Supreme Federal Court over his alleged role in an attempted coup following his 2022 election loss. The trial, now in its final phase of evidence collection, will determine Bolsonaro's legal fate and could end his political aspirations to reclaim the presidency. Since mid-May, Bolsonaro and several former aides have faced legal proceedings unprecedented in Brazil's recent history. On Tuesday, Bolsonaro appeared in court to respond to the charges. Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of plotting to overturn the 2022 election results to stay in power. He faces charges of rebellion and attempting a coup. Local news media report he could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all counts. During the hearing, Bolsonaro apologized to Justice Alexandre de Moraes and other members of the court for previously alleging election fraud, admitting he had no evidence. At one point, Bolsonaro even asked De Moraes if he would consider being his running mate in 2026 -- the justice replied, "I reject the offer." Bolsonaro admitted discussing with advisers and military leaders the possibility of finding a "legal mechanism" to overturn Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's election victory, but insisted, "There was never a possibility of a coup in my government." That statement, though defiant, could alienate parts of Bolsonaro's base who continue to defend the Jan. 8, 2023, rioters, said Bruno Pazos Barboz, a professor at the Social Observatory of Rio. On that day, thousands of radical Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília -- just one week after Lula took office -- vandalizing property and stealing documents and official government symbols. "This trial, which has drawn both national and international attention, is not only about individual accountability," Pazos said. "It's also a test of the strength of Brazil's democratic institutions. That's why what's happening -- and how it ends -- is so important." Bolsonaro is already barred from holding public office until 2030 by the Superior Electoral Court, due to his baseless attacks on the country's electronic voting system. A conviction in the current case could result in prison time and further extend that ban, effectively ending his short-term presidential ambitions. Despite the charges, some of his supporters and political analysts have not ruled out his return. A Genial/Quaest poll conducted between May and June 2025 found that 65% of Brazilians believe Bolsonaro should drop out of the 2026 presidential race and allow another right-wing candidate to take his place, The Rio Times reported -- signaling broad rejection beyond his core base of supporters. Still, "Bolsonarismo" remains active, said Pazos Barboz. The movement holds significant influence in Congress and maintains a loyal base that continues to mobilize periodically. Its rhetoric often centers on themes of "victimization" and claims of "political persecution." Two additional factors continue to sustain Bolsonarismo. One is the growth of Brazil's Protestant evangelical population, a demographic traditionally aligned with Bolsonaro and estimated at about 50 million people. The other is the lack of a unifying leader capable of bringing together the country's right-wing parties -- a gap that could reshape the 2026 electoral landscape. If convicted, Bolsonaro could appeal to the same court and possibly to the full bench. The entire legal process -- including trial and appeals -- could extend into late 2025 or early 2026.
LeMonde
3 days ago
- Politics
- LeMonde
On trial for 2023 coup attempt, Brazil's Bolsonaro admits he tried to hold on to power
Name, civil status and occupation. Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro (2018 - 2022) introduced himself as any ordinary defendant on Tuesday, June 10, alongside seven others, before Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Under the white neon lights of Annex II-B of the Brasília court – transformed into a criminal jury for the first trial of a former president for attempted coup d'état – the judges heard the "core group" from the plot that aimed to prevent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's return to office and keep Bolsonaro in power, after his loss at the polls in October 2022. Bolsonaro, whom the federal police accused of having a "direct and active" role in the coup attempt, was at the center of attention throughout these two days of hearings. At stake: a sentence of up to 43 years in prison. Well aware of the charges he faces, the reserve captain and former president adopted a courteous tone. Yet over the past four years, Bolsonaro has not shied away from attacking Justice Moraes, who has become his nemesis. On Tuesday, the far-right leader even went so far as to apologize for remarks made at a meeting with associates in July 2022, during which he accused Moraes and two other STF justices of having received between $30 million and $50 million in bribes to manipulate the election. "It slipped out (...) I did not intend to accuse you of any misconduct," the defendant pleaded, sounding sheepish.
New York Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Brazil's supreme court asked to suspend CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues over ‘inauthentic signature'
Brazil's supreme court has been asked to examine the legitimacy of a key signature which helped strengthen the position of Brazil Football Federation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues. A petition from congresswoman Daniela Carneiro was sent to the court's most senior judge, Gilmar Mendes, calling for the case to be looked at and Rodrigues to be suspended from his role amid a suggestion that this signature is 'inauthentic'. The agreement signed by CBF vice-president Antonio Carlos Nunes de Lima in January 2025 strengthened Rodrigues' hold on the federation's presidency. Rodrigues, 71, has been CBF president since 2022 and was re-elected without opposition in March. A letter sent to the Supreme Federal Court by congresswoman Daniela Carneiro claims a medical report from 2023 stated vice-president Nunes de Lima was lacking in 'physical and cognitive' capacity. She alleges he therefore either signed the key document 'without his full capacity for understanding', or his signature was forged without his consent. The CBF insisted in a statement that 'acts related to the aforementioned agreement were carried out within the law' and that 'the process was legitimate'. The Athletic has attempted to contact Nunes de Lima and the CBF over his mental well-being. Carneiro's letter argues the situation is 'damaging to the CBF's image in Brazilian society and the confidence of the population will certainly be tarnished' if Rodrigues were to stay in place as CBF president. The fallout comes with the CBF searching to appoint a new head coach for the Brazilian national side, following the dismissal of Dorival Junior in March. Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is the preferred candidate of the CBF and has been in talks over a move since March, with the 65-year-old described by the federation as 'the president's (Rodrigues') dream'. The Athletic reported on April 27 that Ancelotti was set to leave Madrid and take the Brazil head coach role on an initial one-year deal until the end of the 2026 World Cup. He had been expected to sign his contract with Brazil when he met with CBF representatives in London on April 28, but the move subsequently stalled. It was necessary for Ancelotti to reach a definitive agreement with Madrid before he could sign with Brazil. That is expected soon so he can be in place for June's World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. In March, former Brazil striker Ronaldo withdrew his candidacy to stand against the incumbent in the 2026 CBF presidential elections. (Photo:)
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Brazilian pro-Bolsonaro protester who wrote on statue with lipstick sentenced to 14 years in jail: report
A Brazilian protester was reportedly sentenced to 14 years in jail for writing a message in lipstick on a statue during demonstrations in 2023. Debora Rodrigues, 39, was recently sentenced after being convicted of involvement with a criminal organization with intent to launch a coup, according to the BBC. Rodrigues was a supporter of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. His supporters attacked government buildings after he lost to now-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election. Hundreds of Bolsonaro supporters took part in the protest. Rodrigues, who works as a hairdresser, wrote, "You lost, idiot" on the statue of Justice outside the Supreme Federal Court. How Brazilian Police Say Bolsonaro Plotted A Coup To Stay In Office However, she didn't expect to be prosecuted for writing the message, and told the jury that she was unaware of the scale of the protests. Read On The Fox News App "I went to the protests and I didn't imagine that they would be so turbulent," Rodrigues was quoted as saying, according to the BBC. Rumble, Trump Media Declare 'Complete Victory For Free Speech' In Win Against Brazilian Judge "I have never done anything illegal in my life," she added. According to the BBC, Justice Alexandre de Moraes argued that the hairdresser "consciously and voluntarily" aligned herself with protesters seeking to overthrow the Brazilian government. The justice also accused Rodrigues of concealing evidence by possibly deleting messages on her phone, and said that the 39-year-old had admitted to taking part in "anti-democratic acts." The lengthy nature of the sentence has been used by Bolsonaro supporters to argue that they are victims of political persecution by the left-wing Lula administration, working in conjunction with Brazil's Supreme Court. Bolsonaro himself has called for amnesty for Rodrigues in a post on X. In March, Bolsonaro was ordered to stand trial over the alleged coup attempt to stay in office after his 2022 election defeat. The right-wing politician, who has an ongoing power struggle against Lula, was also told by the Brazilian Supreme Court that he is not permitted to run in 2026. The Associated Press contributed to this article source: Brazilian pro-Bolsonaro protester who wrote on statue with lipstick sentenced to 14 years in jail: report
