Jair Bolsonaro charged over alleged far-right coup plot to seize power in Brazil
GuardianFEB 21
Brazil's Bolsonaro Indicted for Alleged Coup Plot
Above: Former Brazilian Pres. Jair Bolsonaro speaks to the press after lunch and a visit to leaders of his Liberal Party in Senate in Brasília on Feb. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Ton Molina/NurPhoto/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
This indictment represents a crucial step in defending democracy and the rule of law in Brazil, and a major step toward holding Bolsonaro and his accomplices accountable for their coup attempt. There is robust evidence that they are guilty — as shocking as these allegations are. Bolsonaro will end up in jail.
Right narrative
It's hardly a surprise that Brazilian authorities have charged Bolsonaro and several of his allies with a coup plot. As long warned, the right-wing Brazilian leader has been politically persecuted since his first day out of office in a blatant example of leftist lawfare — the very same failed strategy used in America against Trump.