IIf you love a gripping political drama, this one could rival a Brazilian soap opera! Just before Carnival – breaking the unwritten rule that the year only truly begins after the festivities – former president Jair Bolsonaro was formally charged by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF). He stands accused of attempting to cling to power through a coup d’état after losing the 2022 election. Want to understand this shocking turn of events while picking up some Portuguese? Let’s dive in!
What Happened?
The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) filed formal charges against Bolsonaro and 33 of his allies, accusing them of:
- Attempted coup d’état – essentially trying to change the rules after the final whistle had already blown (in this case, the electorate had spoken).
- Violent overthrow of democracy – attempting to dismantle democracy by force.
- Forming a criminal organization – when individuals conspire to commit crimes for a shared objective.
The alleged plan involved high-ranking military officials, incendiary speeches, and, according to some reports, even a plot to assassinate elected president Lula and Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes. Yes, you read that correctly. As the saying goes, Brazil is not for beginners…
One of the most shocking revelations is the discovery of classified documents indicating that Bolsonaro’s inner circle drafted a decree to annul the election results and keep him in power. These findings have drawn comparisons to global political crises, highlighting the resilience of Brazilian democracy and its institutions. If you want to understand the bigger picture, it’s worth exploring how Brazilian politics work.
The military’s role in Brazilian politics has long been a contentious issue. Bolsonaro, a former army captain, maintained strong ties with military officials throughout his presidency. Looking back at Brazil’s past dictatorship provides crucial context for why many feared history could repeat itself with this alleged coup attempt.
What’s Next?
If the Supreme Federal Court (STF) accepts the charges, the case will proceed to trial. Evidence will be presented, and witnesses may testify regarding Bolsonaro’s alleged involvement. The trial’s outcome could shape Brazil’s political landscape for years to come and set a legal precedent for handling future coup attempts.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a prison sentence of 38 to 43 years. Quite ironic for someone who once said, “A good criminal is a dead criminal,” don’t you think?
👉 Well, the verdict is in: in September 2025, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison. It’s one of the most significant rulings in Brazil’s democratic history.
Bolsonaro denies all allegations and insists he’s not concerned. However, this story is far from over. Several of his closest allies, including former military officers, are also facing charges, revealing an extensive network of alleged conspiracy. If proven guilty, this case could redefine Brazilian politics for decades. His sentence will depend on the severity of the crimes confirmed in court.
An intriguing element of this case is the international reaction. Brazil’s relationship with the U.S. has been shaped by Bolsonaro’s close ties U.S. President Donald Trump, who also faced allegations of attempting to overturn election results.
Interested in Brazilian politics? You might want to check out our Dica on Dilma’s impeachment for more insights.
Political Vocabulary in Portuguese
Learning Portuguese through Brazil’s political history is quite an education! Here are some key words to help you follow the events:
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Golpe de Estado | Coup d’état |
| Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) | Supreme Federal Court |
| Procuradoria-Geral da República (PGR) | Attorney General’s Office |
| Organização criminosa | Criminal organization |
| Abolição do Estado Democrático de Direito | Overthrow of democracy |
| Denúncia | Formal accusation |
| Julgamento | Trial |
| Testemunha | Witness |
| Sentença | Sentence |
| Prisão | Imprisonment |
Portuguese Exercises
Now that you’re up to speed, let’s practice:
- Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
- O _______ é a mais alta corte do Brasil.
- Se condenado, Bolsonaro pode pegar até 43 anos de _______.
- O plano do golpe foi considerado uma _______ pela Procuradoria-Geral da República (PGR).
- True or False?
- ( ) A PGR acusou Bolsonaro de tentar um golpe de Estado.
- ( ) O STF já declarou Bolsonaro culpado e ele está na prisão.
- ( ) Um golpe de Estado é uma tentativa de mudar o governo por meios democráticos.
- Translate into Portuguese:
- The Supreme Federal Court is investigating the case.
- The former president denies all accusations (denúncias).
- A coup d’état is an illegal attempt to seize power.
The history of Brazil is being written before our eyes! Want to keep learning Portuguese while following these events? Stay tuned to Rio & Learn and come study with us! 🇧🇷📚
Exercise Answers:
Fill in the blanks with the correct words:
- O Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) é a mais alta corte do Brasil.
- Se condenado, Bolsonaro pode pegar até 43 anos de prisão.
- O plano do golpe foi considerado uma denúncia pela Procuradoria-Geral da República (PGR).
True or False?
- (✔) Verdadeiro – A PGR acusou Bolsonaro de tentar um golpe de Estado.
- (✘) Falso – O STF ainda não declarou Bolsonaro culpado e ele não está na prisão.
- (✘) Falso – Um golpe de Estado não é uma tentativa de mudar o governo por meios democráticos, e sim por meios ilegais e autoritários.
Translate into Portuguese:
- A Suprema Corte Federal está investigando o caso.
- O ex-presidente nega todas as acusações (denúncias).
- Um golpe de Estado é uma tentativa ilegal de tomar o poder.
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