Bolsonaro indictment leaves Brazils tropical Trump staring at prospect of jail
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Former President Bolsonaro's Coup Trial Begins in Brazil
Above: Jair Bolsonaro greets supporters during a march in Brasilia on May 7, 2025. Image copyright: Sergio Lima/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Brazil is showing its commitment to protecting democracy and holding accountable whoever attempts to undermine its democratic institutions, which is a lesson to other countries facing similar challenges. Given that Bolsonaro has even confessed to having discussed a coup, it's only a matter of time before he and his accomplices are found guilty.
Right narrative
It's hardly a surprise that Bolsonaro and several of his allies are on trial for an alleged coup plot. As long warned, Brazilian conservatives have been politically persecuted since Bolsonaro's first day out of office in a blatant example of leftist lawfare — the very same failed strategy used in America against Trump.