Former Brazilian President Begins Lengthy Prison Term
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former far-right president, has begun serving a 27-year prison sentence for coup-related charges, with the public response proving remarkably subdued compared to his once-passionate support base. The politician was taken into custody at a federal police base in Brasília, where he occupies a small room described as parking space-sized.
Lonely Protest Outside Prison Walls
In a stark contrast to the massive crowds that once thronged his rallies, only about two dozen supporters gathered outside the police compound as Bolsonaro entered custody. Among them was 21-year-old activist Arley Xavier, who insisted "It's not over" and called for conservatives to protest the imprisonment.
The muted response has prompted political analysts to question whether Bolsonaro's grip on Brazil's right wing has been broken. Christian Lynch, a political scientist, observed: "Bolsonarismo is like foam that is washed away... The right will remain. But Bolsonarismo will pass."
Family Troubles and Legal Consequences
Bolsonaro's legal troubles extend beyond his own imprisonment. Five co-conspirators received similar sentences, while a sixth fled through the Amazon to the United States. The former president's son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, faces arrest if he returns to Brazil from the US due to a supreme court investigation.
Adding to Bolsonaro's predicament, reports suggest he could be banned from seeking office until he is 105 years old. However, parole laws mean he's likely to be released after six or seven years, which would make him younger than current President Lula da Silva is now.
Historical Parallels and Future Prospects
Some commentators draw parallels with other Brazilian political comebacks. Bernardo Mello Franco, author of a book about Bolsonaro, recalled how President Getúlio Vargas returned to power after five years in political ostracism. Similarly, current President Lula da Silva was re-elected in 2022 after being imprisoned for 580 days on corruption charges that were later quashed.
However, Octavio Guedes of GloboNews believes the "zero public reaction" to Bolsonaro's jailing confirms the "post-Bolsonaro era" has begun. He suggested that while Bolsonaro's movement might persist, it would likely be led by someone outside the former president's family.
Two days after Bolsonaro's imprisonment, the only significant protest attempt came from a lone demonstrator who tried to chain himself to a pillar outside congress. Like his leader, he was promptly arrested.
