Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, is facing trial over comments perceived as endorsing sexual assault.
Bolsonaro says it’s all political targeting. A judge in Brasilia believes the case has merit.
Back in 2014, Bolsonaro clashed with legislator María do Rosário. Then, he implied she wasn’t worthy of sexual assault.
Addressing the charge, Bolsonaro said he was responding to an insult. “I defended myself,” he stated, “and now they’re twisting the events.”
While in office, Bolsonaro advocated for harsher penalties for sexual offenders. Ironically, he notes that those softening criminal laws are now playing the victim.
Initially, Brazil’s Supreme Court oversaw the case due to Bolsonaro’s immunity. However, the case moved to a lower court recently.
Since leaving office, Bolsonaro faces multiple legal issues. In January, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva replaced him.
Bolsonaro lost to Silva in the 2022 elections. Furthermore, he is under scrutiny for undermining the electoral system.
In June, the Electoral Court disqualified him from politics for eight years. This was for spreading election misinformation.
Additionally, he’s under investigation for encouraging attacks on governmental buildings.
Lastly, there are allegations of receiving unauthorized gifts and using a fake COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
Background
Since leaving office, Bolsonaro’s controversies haven’t waned. He keeps making headlines, which may impact his political future.
Many critics believe these legal issues signal a decline in his influence. However, his supporters view the trials as witch hunts.
They think it’s an attempt to stifle a political comeback.
Brazil has recently shifted to a more progressive leadership on the global stage.
Silva’s win reflects a public sentiment change driven by environmental and social justice issues.
Yet, the legal trials against Bolsonaro show that the country remains politically divided. The outcomes could set the tone for Brazil’s governance in the coming years.