Brazil Top Court Weigh Whether Bolsonaro Will Stand Trial 2025 03 25
ReutersMAR 22
Brazil's Top Court Weighs Coup Trial Against Bolsonaro
Above: Former Brazilian Pres. Jair Bolsonaro (R) accompanies his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro (2-L), at Brasilia airport on Jan. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Evaristo Sa/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
The trial of former President Bolsonaro is nothing more than a politically motivated attack that will deepen divisions and fuel resentment in Brazil. Similar to efforts in the US against Trump, it risks further polarization and is a tactic to block his 2026 run, undermining democratic processes rather than promoting justice or unity.
Left narrative
Despite undeniable evidence of his involvement in a coup plot, Bolsonaro’s supporters, fueled by disinformation, portray him as a victim. This case is not just about justice; it's a battle for truth itself. The court must stand firm in the face of relentless online disinformation and send a clear message that facts, not falsehoods, define reality.