Bolsonaro faces uncertain political future as Brazil trial starts
Al JazeeraJul 07, 2023
Brazil: Police Seek Access to Bolsonaro Financial Records
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Image copyright: Palácio do Planalto [via Flickr]
The Facts
Brazilian news outlet O Globo reported that the Federal Police has asked the Supreme Court to grant access to former Pres. Jair Bolsonaro's private banking and tax records as part of a probe into the alleged attempted sale of gifts he received while in office.
The right-wing leader, who was ruled ineligible to run for office until 2030 and faces several other lawsuits, has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers stated that he would authorize access to his banking records.
The Spin
Left narrative
On top of his usual attacks on the Brazilian democratic institutions, including inflaming his supporters to storm key government buildings to try to remove President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from power in January, Bolsonaro has also engaged in a multi-million dollar smuggling, embezzlement, and money laundering scheme. Either he and his allies deliberately failed to declare to customs that the gifts were private to avoid paying taxes, or they sold government resources for their own personal advantage.
Right narrative
You don't have to be a Bolsonaro supporter to see that Lula is using the judicial system as a means to punish his predecessor. Lula is a leftist career politician who was convicted on corruption charges before they were stunningly reversed by activist judges. Right-leaning figures across the nation are being censored, and checks and balances are being curtailed as the legal system is increasingly used as a weapon against opponents. We ought to be skeptical about charges against Bolsonaro in this environment.
