Background on Jair Bolsonaro and the Current Situation
Jair Bolsonaro, a 70-year-old former president of Brazil and current resident of the capital, Brasília, has been under investigation for allegedly obstructing his ongoing trial related to an attempted coup in 2022. As a result, he is subject to house arrest, nighttime curfews, weekend confinement, and a ban from using social media.
Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who represents the political left. Bolsonaro is accused of conspiring to maintain power despite his electoral defeat, facing potential imprisonment for an extended period as the trial concludes in the coming weeks.
US Sanctions Against Judge Alexandre de Moraes
On Wednesday, the US Department of the Treasury imposed financial sanctions on Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who presides over Bolsonaro’s trial and is criticized by Bolsonaristas for his efforts against misinformation, which they equate with “censorship.”
US Trade Measures Against Brazil
In the same vein, US President Donald Trump initiated a “witch hunt” against his far-right Sudamerican ally, imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to the US. This measure is set to take effect on August 6.
Protests Across Brazil
Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters took to the streets in various Brazilian cities on Sunday following the announcement of US sanctions. Wearing green and yellow, the national colors, many protesters also displayed US flags or carried signs reading “Thank you Trump.”
- Valdeciria Galvão: A court reporter present at the Brasília march, stated her presence was to defend “the people against censorship and arbitrary judges.”
- Maristela dos Santos: A 62-year-old teacher in Rio de Janeiro, who wore an American flag over her shoulders, expressed little concern about the economic impact of the tariffs. Instead, she feared Brazil might become like Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro’s socialist regime, facing severe food shortages.
- Paulo Roberto: A 46-year-old businessman, views the punitive tariffs as a necessary evil. He believes that sometimes taking “five steps back” can lead to greater freedom and a better quality of life.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the protesters supporting? The protesters are supporters of Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil.
- What are the US sanctions against? The US Department of the Treasury imposed financial sanctions on Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over Bolsonaro’s trial.
- What is the reason for these sanctions? The US accuses Judge Moraes of censorship due to his efforts against misinformation, which aligns with the criticisms from Bolsonaristas.
- What other measures has the US taken? In addition to sanctions, the US has imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports as part of a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro’s far-right ally.
- Why are people protesting? Protesters are concerned about Brazil potentially becoming like Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro’s regime, facing severe food shortages and fearing censorship from judges.
