The recent ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) convicting former president Jair Bolsonaro and military officers involved in the attempted coup drew immediate – and largely positive – reactions abroad. According to Paulo Borba Casella, professor of International Law at the University of São Paulo (USP), the decision was widely interpreted as a sign of democratic strength.
“It is important to stress, and sensible media outlets in many countries have emphasized this, that Brazil has given a lesson in institutional maturity and respect for the democratic rule of law,” Casella told Radio BdF. He noted that “the defendants had full rights to defense and professional legal counsel, and the entire process was carried out within the law and in line with the Constitution. Brazil has acted as the adult in the room – in a reasonable, professional, and balanced way.”
Casella described potential reactions from Donald Trump’s administration as unpredictable, citing new threats of sanctions against STF justices and Brazil following the conviction. “They are guided by unpredictability, not by reason, often mixing trade issues with political, ideological, and partisan interests,” he said. “India was also hit with a 50% tariff, and threats have multiplied against many others. We could see more Magnitsky Act sanctions, more tariffs.”
As for U.S. officials’ statements about possible military action, Casella dismissed them. “There was talk of military force, which the Brazilian government rightly dismissed as absurd,” he said. However, he argued that the “political persecution triggered by the trial of coup leaders” should be taken to the United Nations.
The professor also defended the ironic remarks made by STF justices in response to U.S. threats, in which they referenced Disney characters. “When faced with something as ridiculous as what the U.S. government said, the best answer is irony. Saying that Mickey Mouse would not interfere in the functioning of the Supreme Court is the right response,” he stated.
Casella further criticized Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, who has lobbied abroad against Brazil’s interests. “It is shameful that a Brazilian lawmaker works overseas against the national interest. In many countries, treason can even carry the death penalty. In Brazil, it could lead to expulsion from Congress or even criminal prosecution,” he warned.
