Jair Bolsonaro mulls return to Brazil ‘in coming weeks’
Al JazeeraNov 30, 2022
The Facts
Following a request made by the country's Attorney General, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Friday ordered former Pres. Jair Bolsonaro to testify within 10 days about the marching of key government buildings in Brasília on Jan. 8.
This order is part of an investigation into the possible role of Bolsonaro in the storming of Congress, the presidential palace, and the top court's headquarters by hundreds of his supporters.
The Spin
Left narrative
Even if the coup failed, accountability for what happened in Brazil isn't only a matter of justice but is crucial for the future of the country's democracy. The current investigation is likely to reveal a coordinated, multi-pronged attempt by Bolsonaro and his accomplices to undermine the election's result. Despite the many similarities to the US Capitol riots, the political influence of Brazil's military cannot be underestimated, and this is a concern that politicians must confront in the future.
Right narrative
The Jan. 8 storming of government buildings was relatively non-violent, with no grave injuries or deaths. And, despite some damage to building interiors, Bolsonaro never encouraged these people to gather that day in the first place, let alone attempt to stage a military coup. The mainstream media is promoting a conspiracy that doesn't exist while ignoring that Brazilians are fully capable of protesting and distrusting institutions without being guided by US politicians.
