How the previous president’s coup trial has divided Brazil

[ad_1] Ione Wells South America correspondent in São Paulo

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/ff50/live/501617c0-8cc0-11f0-9cf6-cbf3e73ce2b9.jpg.webp" loading="eager" alt="Reuters A composite photo shows supporters of Jair Bolsonaro waving Brazilian flags and dressed in Brazil football shirts on the left, and on the right opponents of Bolsonaro are seen. One woman has her fist in the air, while a man plays a drum. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> Reuters There have been rallies by supporters and opponents of ex-President Bolsonaro on Sunday

On Sunday, Brazilians celebrated their nation's independence from Portugal as they do yearly on 7 September: with patriotism, army parades, flag-waving and churrascos – Brazilian barbecues.

However with a verdict imminent within the trial on coup prices of former President Jair Bolsonaro, this yr the day was marked by rival rallies.

Hundreds took to the streets chanting slogans about freedom: some in defence of democracy, others in defence of the ex-president who stands accused of attempting to overthrow it.

On Tuesday, 5 Supreme Courtroom justices will begin to ship their verdicts one after the other on whether or not Jair Bolsonaro masterminded a coup to cling to energy after dropping the 2022 election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The allegations embrace proposing a coup to army commanders, figuring out of a plot to assassinate President-elect Lula da Silva and Supreme Courtroom Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and inciting supporters to assault authorities buildings on 8 January 2023 after casting doubt on the electoral system.

Bolsonaro denies the costs, calling them politically motivated, a view shared by his supporters – and US President Donald Trump.

Trump has labelled the trial "political persecution" and imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian items, in addition to sanctions on Supreme Courtroom Justice Moraes, who's main the trial.

Jair Bolsonaro's son Eduardo, who efficiently lobbied for the imposition of the tariffs within the US, has defended the transfer, telling the BBC final month that he believes "freedom comes first, earlier than the economic system".

However many Brazilians see it as deeply unpatriotic to help inflicting financial ache on Brazil for the Bolsonaro household's personal political fortunes.

"Brazil is completely divided," acknowledged Bianca, who attended a big pro-Bolsonaro rally in São Paulo on Sunday.

"However I imagine with US sanctions, those that have been in favour [of the trial] are taking their foot off the fuel," she added, draped in mixed Brazilian and US flag.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/a332/live/78040ac0-8cb7-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Bianca and a man hold up the flag, which bears the stars of the US flag on the left and the green and yellow of the Brazilian flag on the right. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Bianca holds up a flag which is half that of the US and half that of Brazil

Patriotic symbols like Brazil's nationwide flag and soccer shirt have lengthy been co-opted because the uniform of Bolsonaro's right-wing base, however some additionally donned Trump paraphernalia.

Crowds demanded "Amnesty!" and "Moraes, out!"

One other protester, Erica, mentioned the trial was "only a huge theatre as a result of everybody is aware of his conviction is already decided".

However there are numerous right here who disagree.

At a close-by rally of Bolsonaro opponents, crowds chanted "no amnesty" and "dictatorship, by no means once more".

Big inflatable collectible figurines of Bolsonaro in a jail uniform and Trump bobbed above indicators saying: "Jail for Bolsonaro" and "Trump, paws off Brazil".

One wore the soccer shirt, which left-wing Brazilians hope to reclaim, saying "I am not a Bolsonaro minion".

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/8e72/live/945f6600-8cb3-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="BBC/Paulo Kobayashi A man is photographed from behind wearing a Brazil football shirt at an anti-Bolsonaro rally. The name "Neymar" has been crossed out and below the words "I am not a Bolsonaro minion" have been written in black felt tip ink. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Some left-wing protesters are attempting to reclaim the Brazil soccer shirt

The gang was optimistic he might be convicted.

One of many protesters, Rafael, known as Bolsonaro's arrest a "victory", accusing him of getting dedicated "critical crimes" towards Brazilians.

"It is nonetheless very polarised. Till lately, the correct was sturdy. However since Trump's actions there's been a shift to the left. It is about sovereignty and stopping international interference," he added.

"All of the proof reveals it was a coup try," mentioned Karina. "I hope justice is finished to indicate you possibly can't do no matter you need to your personal achieve."

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/487e/live/2dc7b4f0-8cb4-11f0-82aa-7d0865a885a4.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Karina, wearing a red T-shirt and large glasses, attends an anti-Bolsonaro rally" class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Karina is for certain what unfolded in Brazil was an tried coup

This trial has carved deep rifts and reignited debates about democracy in Brazil.

The 8 January riots and the coup allegations are so troubling to Bolsonaro critics as a result of Brazil's democracy remains to be younger.

It was restored in 1985, after twenty years of a dictatorship backed by the US.

The Supreme Courtroom casts itself as guardian of this democracy.

But it surely has grow to be a lightning rod. Its judges are appointed by presidents however may also put presidents and ministers on trial.

Some sit on the electoral court docket and strike down legal guidelines. Its president was as soon as Lula's lawyer, including gasoline to accusations of bias from Bolsonaro supporters.

Watch: Hundreds of Bolsonaro supporters protest in Brazil

An inquiry into pretend information, together with on-line threats to the court docket, led by Justice Moraes has jailed Bolsonaro allies and brought down social media accounts.

Critics say this stretches the court docket's remit into policing and politics; supporters name it a mannequin for the digital age.

The court docket's position in Bolsonaro's trial, by which Moraes is each a rapporteur and the goal of the alleged assassination plot which is a part of the case, has led either side to accuse the opposite of authoritarianism.

Bolsonaro's critics argue he tried to put in a dictatorship.

His supporters, however, say the sweeping powers the court docket has used to research the alleged coup and the rioting within the capital, Brasília, are an abuse of judicial powers.

Those that imagine the judiciary has gone too far in prosecuting individuals concerned within the storming of presidency buildings on 8 January 2023 usually cite the case of Débora Rodrigues dos Santos.

The 39-year-old Bolsonaro supporter acquired a 14-year sentence after scrawling "You misplaced, fool" in lipstick on the statue of Justice outdoors the Supreme Courtroom.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/8f22/live/2cdfd080-8cb5-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="Joédson Alves, Agência Brasil The statue of Justice in front of Brazil's Supreme Court building can be seen with the words "You lost, idiot" scrawled on it with lipstick. In the background security personnel wearing helmets can be seen. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> Joédson Alves, Agência Brasil Débora Rodrigues dos Santos was sentenced for scrawling a message onto the statue of Justice

Whereas her jail sentence was later became home arrest as a result of she has youngsters who she cares for, the truth that she was tried on coup prices earlier than the Supreme Courtroom continues to anger many.

"They tried her for graffiti. I've by no means heard of somebody being sentenced to 14 years in jail for lipstick. It was an indication, and so they have been labelled as terrorists," her sister Claudia informed the BBC.

Claudia mentioned Débora regretted the graffiti however didn't remorse attending the 8 January protest, which she mentioned was her "proper" as she had lingering "doubts" in regards to the final result of the election.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/e456/live/98ffc1c0-8cb6-11f0-8dba-f523ef168791.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Claudia, wearing a grey T-shirt, sits on a couch and looks into the camera. Her blonde hair falls on her shoulders. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Claudia thinks Bolsonaro instilled a way of patriotism in many individuals

Claudia credit Bolsonaro's "love for the flag" with inspiring "housewives, the WhatsApp aunt, the bricklayer, the businessman" to have interaction in politics.

She argues that, as a result of no coup materialised, Bolsonaro can't be responsible of 1.

"If he's convicted of a coup, that additionally condemns 1,200 individuals who have been protesting there," she mentioned.

However there are others who suppose the occasions of 8 January 2023 have been rather more than a easy protest.

Ricardo Cappelli is the previous minister tasked with restoring order in Brasília after the storming of the important thing buildings.

<img sizes="(min-width: 1280px) 50vw, (min-width: 1008px) 66vw, 96vw" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/240/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp 240w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp 320w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp 480w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/640/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp 640w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp 800w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp 1024w,https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1536/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp 1536w" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/4707/live/ed86bea0-8cb7-11f0-b391-6936825093bd.jpg.webp" loading="lazy" alt="BBC/Paulo Kobayashi Ricardo Cappelli, wearing a white shirt, stands in front of the statue of Justice in the capital, Brasilia. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/> BBC/Paulo Kobayashi He recollects "coup-mongering" protesters invading three branches of presidency and committing "barbaric acts" within the Supreme Courtroom, "symbolically attacking an establishment basic to Brazilian democracy".

He believes this trial will assist "flip a web page in historical past" by exhibiting Brazil is not going to tolerate threats to democracy once more.

"By no means have these behind a coup or tried coup sat within the dock in Brazil," he informed the BBC.

To him, the trial additionally units a world instance. He argues that if the US Capitol riots had occurred in Brazil, "Donald Trump would most definitely be sitting within the dock".

As a verdict nears, Bolsonaro's get together – which has a majority in Congress – is pushing a invoice to grant him and the 8 January protesters amnesty, as nerves construct that their alleged ringleader is about to fall.

Mr Cappelli's reply to those that name the response authoritarian is: "Research historical past. Amnesty for previous coup makes an attempt resulted in new coups. At present's pardoned coup plotter turns into tomorrow's coup plotter."

For years, Bolsonaro has cut up Brazil into loyalists and opponents.

For his followers, this trial equals persecution for a coup that by no means occurred; for his critics, safety towards one other dictatorship.

Even some average right-wingers hope this trial may lastly draw a line, however with such totally different definitions of authoritarianism, polarisation may nonetheless deepen.