In a stunning and unanimous verdict, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court has thrown out all four criminal investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro, delivering a decisive victory for the right-wing leader and closing a tumultuous chapter in the country's recent history.
The court's ruling, led by Justice Carmen Lúcia, found the evidence presented by prosecutors to be utterly insufficient to sustain the probes. The investigations, which captivated the nation, covered allegations ranging from the falsification of Covid-19 vaccination records to a purported coup plot aimed at overturning the 2022 election results that brought current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to power.
A Unanimous Decision and a Political Earthquake
The 9-0 vote sends a powerful message about the independence of Brazil's judiciary and the high bar for investigating a former head of state. The investigations had cast a long shadow over Bolsonaro's political future, and their dismissal is seen as a significant rehabilitation of his standing, potentially clearing a path for a return to the political arena.
Bolsonaro's legal team hailed the decision as a triumph of justice over politically motivated persecution. The former president, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, faced potential arrest and a ban from holding public office for eight years had the investigations proceeded and resulted in convictions.
What Were the Investigations About?
The dismissed probes were among the most serious ever faced by a Brazilian leader:
- Vaccination Records: Allegations that Bolsonaro and aides inserted false data into public health systems to circumvent Covid-19 vaccine requirements.
- Coup Allegations: A probe into claims he was involved in a plan to discredit the electoral system and stage a coup to remain in power after losing the election.
- Saudi Jewellery Scandal: An investigation into the alleged attempted smuggling of millions of dollars worth of jewellery gifted by Saudi Arabia.
- Digital Militia: Accusations of running an organised network to spread disinformation and threats against political opponents online.
With this ruling, the legal pressure now shifts away from Bolsonaro. However, he is not entirely in the clear, as other lower-level investigations concerning his conduct during the pandemic continue.
