Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Sept. 11 (UPI) — Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for his role in planning a 2023 coup that prosecutors claim may have included assassinating President Lula da Silva.

The nation’s Supreme Court voted to convict former Bolsonaro earlier on Thursday.

Three members of the court’s five-judge panel on Thursday voted to convict Bolsonaro, 70, on all five counts related to the coup attempt, CNN reported.

Justice Carmen Lucia Antunes Rocha delivered the deciding vote on Thursday and accused Bolsonaro of trying to “sow the malignant seed of anti-democracy,” according to The Guardian.

Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino on Tuesday also voted to convict the former president.

Justice Luiz Fux on Wednesday voted against the conviction and said there is “absolutely no proof” of Bolsonaro’s guilt.

Prosecutors charged Bolsonaro with plotting a coup, participating in an armed criminal organization, trying to end Brazil’s democracy by force, violent acts against the state and damaging public property.

Prosecutors also accused Bolsonaro of plotting the potential use of explosives, poison or weapons of war to assassinate Lula da Silva.

The charges arose from Bolsonaro’s supporters storming government buildings on Jan. 8, 2023, and carry a potential sentence of up to 43 years in prison.

The court is scheduled to sentence Bolsonaro on Friday after receiving the case’s final vote from Justice Cristiano Zanin.

The Brazilian Congress might approve an amnesty bill that would negate the conviction and enable Bolsonaro to run for president in 2026.

Bolsonaro is a former Brazilian military paratrooper and won election as the nation’s president in 2018.

Prosecutors said he began plotting against the Brazilian government in July 2021, which culminated in his supporters overrunning the nation’s Supreme Court, Congress and presidential palace on Jan.8, 2023.

Aug. 5 (UPI) — Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, prompting swift condemnation from the Trump administration, which has imposed penalties against those prosecuting President Donald Trump‘s ally.

Bolsonaro is being prosecuted on charges of conspiring to overturn his 2022 election loss.

In his order Monday, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the house arrest of Bolsonaro on allegations he violated court-imposed precautionary measures by using the social media accounts of allies, including his three sons, one of whom is a congressman, to post statements online.

Moraes described the social media posts as a “continued attempt to coerce the STF and obstruct justice.” STF stands for Supremo Tribunal Federal, or Supreme Federal Court, in Portuguese.

“The arrest is to be served at Bolsonaro’s residence in Brasilia. He will not be allowed to receive visitors, except for his lawyers and other individuals previously authorized by the STF,” the order states. “The former president is also prohibited from using a cell phone, either directly or through third parties.”

A search and seizure of any cell phones in Bolsonaro’s possession was also ordered by Moraes, who is overseeing the criminal case.

“There is no doubt that Jair Messias Bolsonaro violated the precautionary measures imposed on him, as the defendant produced material for publication on the social media accounts of his three sons and all his followers and political supporters, with clear content encouraging and inciting attacks on the Supreme Federal Court and openly supporting foreign intervention in the Brazilian judiciary,” Moraes said.

Trump, who has similarly been accused of trying to overturn his own election loss, in 2020, is an ally of Bolsonaro, and has repeatedly used his executive powers to punish those involved in the 70-year-old politician’s prosecution, which has prompted accusations of meddling in Brazil’s judicial system.

Among the measures imposed by the American president are slapping a 40% tariff on Brazilian goods and sanctioning Moraes, as well as revoking his visas and those of his family.

The U.S. State Department on Monday night condemned the house arrest order as Moraes’ alleged continued use of “Brazil’s institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy.”

“Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro’s ability to defend himself in public it not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak!” the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said in both English- and Portuguese-language statements.

“The United States condemns Moraes’ order imposing house arrest on Bolsonaro and will hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct.”

Brazil charged Bolsonaro in February with attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. According to court documents, his supporters claiming voter fraud stormed Brazil’s Congress and other federal facilities on Jan. 8, 2023.

The indictment accuses Bolsonaro of spreading debunked claims of fraud in election machines as far back as July 2022 in order to prepare conditions for the coup. As part of the scheme, prosecutors said they even planned the possibility of assassinating Lula.

Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing, while Trump has described the trial as a “witch hunt.”

July 19 (UPI) — The U.S. visa of the Brazilian judge overseeing the criminal case against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was revoked Friday, four days after President Donald Trump called the South American nation’s treatment of the former leader a “witch hunt.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the announcement on Friday.

“President Trump made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States,” Rubio said in a statement. “Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’s political witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazil’s shores to target Americans.

“I have therefore ordered visa revocations for Moraes and his allies on the court, as well as their immediate family members effective immediately.”

The visa restriction policy is pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, which authorizes the secretary of state to not allow anyone whose entry into the United States “would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.”

Rubio, in a cable to diplomatic and consular posts on Thursday, said public comments on foreign elections “should be brief, focused on congratulating the winning candidate and, when appropriate, noted shared policy interests,” according to The New York Times, which obtained the memo.

De Moraes doesn’t travel often to the United States, The Washington Post reported.

Friday, de Moraes accused Bolsonaro and his son, Eduardo, of conspiring to incite U.S. hostilities against Brazil, ordering the former president to wear an ankle bracelet. Bolsonaro was also barred from contacting foreign governments, and blocked from using social media.

The judge also is investigating online misinformation, and has ordered the takedown of social media accounts that violate Brazil’s freedom of speech. In 2024, Elon Musk’s X restored service in the country after paying a $5 million fine and appointed a new legal representative there.

Trump’s social media company, The Trump Media & Technology Group, sued de Moraes in February, accusing him of censoring conservative voices on social media.

The judge is on the judicial panel to preside over Bolsonaro’s trial before Brazil’s Supreme Court, who was indicted in February after the alleged coup.

Bolsonaro has been accused of attempting to violently to retain power after his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Lula, in a speech Thursday night, condemned Bolsonaro’s supporters, whom he accused of siding with Trump about the “witch hunt.”

“They’re the true traitors of the homeland,” he said. “They don’t care about the economy of the country or the damage caused to our people.”

On Monday, Trump wrote a letter to Lula threatening a 50% tariff on imported goods, because of how Bolsonaro “has been treated” and an “unfair trade relationship.” Unless there is an agreement, the new rate takes effect on Aug. 1, he wrote.

Trump said that “the way Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. The trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY.”

Trump also noted “Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the Fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans.”

Then on Thursday, he posted on Truth Social a letter sent to Bolsonaro about his “terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you,” demanding an immediate trial.

“It is my sincere hope that the Government of Brazil changes course, stops attacking political opponents, and ends their ridiculous censorship regime. I will be watching closely.”

July 14 (UPI) — The 50% tariffs proposed by Donald Trump could cut Brazil’s gross domestic product by between 0.3 and 0.8 percentage points in 2025, according to Brazilian economists and consulting firms.

The final impact will depend on how Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva‘s administration responds and whether Brazil can redirect its exports.

Brazil’s annual export loss could range from $12 billion to $17 billion, representing 3.6% to 5% of the country’s total exports, according to Rogério Marin, CEO of Tek Trade and president of the Foreign Trade Companies Union of Santa Catarina, in comments to the Brazilian digital outlet Agricultura y Negocios.

Marin estimates an annual negative impact on GDP of between 0.6% and 0.8%.

According to XP, one of Brazil’s major investment and financial services firms, the tariffs could reduce GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points in 2025 and 0.5 percentage points in 2026, with Brazilian exports to the United States projected to fall by $6.5 billion in 2025 and $16.5 billion the following year.

Agribusiness firm FGVAgro said in a statement that the proposed 50% tariff would particularly impact the agricultural sector, which accounts for 30% of exports to the U.S. market.

“Food exports are estimated to fall by as much as 75%, which could cause a contraction of up to 0.41% in Brazil’s GDP. Domestic consumption is also projected to decline by as much as $13 billion,” the firm said.

Brazil’s National Confederation of Industry, or CNI), and other business groups have urged a diplomatic resolution. “A rupture in the relationship with the United States would cause serious harm to our economy,” said Ricardo Alban, president of the CNI, who called for “intensifying negotiations to reverse this decision.”

The American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil, Amcham Brasil, has urged avoiding a trade war, saying it “has no winners.” The group argues that the arbitrary imposition of tariffs serves neither side’s interests and instead creates uncertainty that discourages investment and economic growth.

Brazil maintains a strong trade relationship with the United States, exporting about $41 billion annually, primarily in industrial and agricultural goods. That volume represents roughly 1.7% of Brazil’s GDP.

“Brazilian industry — especially manufacturing — has broken export records to the United States in recent years, underscoring the importance of maintaining a stable trade environment,” said Marcos Santos Carena, director of the Business Observer, a consulting firm that operates in Brazil, Colombia and the United States.

The announced tariffs could significantly impact several sectors of Brazil’s economy. Experts warn that about 40% of the affected exports are manufactured goods with limited potential to be redirected to other markets.

The agricultural and agribusiness sectors could be among the hardest hit, as the United States is a key market for products such as coffee and orange juice. One-third of the coffee and half of the orange juice consumed in the United States comes from Brazil, Santos Carena said. Other agricultural exports could also be affected.

In the aerospace sector, Embraer — the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer — has been identified as one of the companies that could be hit hardest, with sharp declines in its market value. The tariffs could hurt the competitiveness of its exports to the United States.

Brazil’s steel and aluminum industries are already subject to additional tariffs, and a new 50% levy would make these exports unviable, according to industry representatives.

Although the United States accounts for a small share of Brazil’s mining exports — about 4% — the tariffs could affect sales of gold, natural stones, ornamental rocks, iron ore, kaolin and niobium.

Other exports that could be affected include engines and generators, parts for industrial machinery, data processing equipment, measuring instruments, wood and forest products — such as pulp and fiberboard — and meat.

In a meeting lasting more than four hours at the Palácio da Alvorada on Sunday, Lula convened his cabinet ministers — including those from finance, industry, agriculture, and foreign affairs — along with the Central Bank president and Senate leaders to coordinate a response to the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.

Among the agreed measures was the creation of a committee led by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. The group, which includes business leaders, will bring together affected sectors to develop joint proposals and advise the president before any official announcement.

The government pledged to issue a decree by Tuesday outlining legal and technical criteria for triggering countermeasures if the U.S. tariffs take effect Aug. 1, as Trump promised.

While officials have not ruled out reciprocal action, Lula’s administration said its priority is negotiation, multilateral diplomacy — through channels such as the World Trade Organization — and non-tariff solutions.

July 9 (UPI) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday informed seven more nations about new tariffs, singling out Brazil with a 50% duty because of what he called the “disgrace” of how former President Jair Bolsonaro has been treated and an “unfair trade relationship.”

Other nations told about rates effective Aug. 1 were the Philippines 20%, Moldova 25% and Brunei 25%, and Algeria, Libya and Iraq at 30% on goods they ship to the United States.

Trump so far has sent letters to 21 nations with seven on Monday. They all had standard language in the two-page letters, except for the one to Brazil.

Trump told current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a letter posted on Truth Social that “the way Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. The trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY.”

Bolsonaro, who faces charges that he plotted to overturn his 2022 election loss against Lula, has been referred to as the “Trump of the tropics.”

Trump also noted “Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the Fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans.”

And he said the United States also is launching an investigation into potential unfair trade practices by Brazil, Trump wrote in the letter.

He said the South American nation’s trade policies have caused “unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States,” which threaten the U.S. economy and national security.

On April 2 on “Liberation Day,” Brazil was among most U.S. trading partners imposed a 10% baseline tariff. Brazil was not among the nations threatened with harsher reciprocal tariffs but on Monday, Trump threatened an additional 10% tariffs on BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa. The other BRICS nations are Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates

Tariffs has not sent letters to the BRICS nations except a 30% one for South Africa and 32% for Indonesia.

The U.S. has a goods trade surplus with Brazil of $7.4 billion in 2024, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

The United States’ big imports from Brazil include crude petroleum and refined petroleum products, iron and steel, machinery and agricultural products, including fruit and vegetable juices, and meats.

“Please note that the 50% number is far less than what is needed to have the Level Playing Field we must have with your country,” Trump wrote. “And it is necessary to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime. As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Brazil, or companies within your country, decide to build of manufacture within the United States, and we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely, in other words, in a matter of weeks.”

On Tuesday, he signed an executive order that officially pushed back the implementation date from July 9 to Aug. 1. He said there will be no more extensions. Trump originally intended the harder penalties to take effect earlier but on April 9 he paused it 90 days.

The new tarriffs, except for Brazil, range from 20% to 40% with the latter imposed on Laos and Myanmar.

Among major trading partners, Japan and Korea were slapped with 25% duties.

The letters state that the 25% tariffs are separate from sector-specific duties on key product categories.

On Tuesday, Trump announced a 50% tariff on imported copper after 50% imposed in June on steel and aluminum.

“These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country,” Trump wrote in the letters. “You will never be disappointed with the United States of America.”

Trump has yet to impose new tariffs on the 27-member European Union, but has said negotiations were not going well.

Trump also warned that the rates could be higher if they impose retaliatory duties.

In the latters Trump said there will be no tariff in the nation or the company “decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely.”

U.S. stock indexes rose Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average going up 0.49%, Standard and Poor’s 500 rising 0.61% and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite increasing 0.95%.

Two index are just off record highs Thursday — S&P 16 points and Nasdaq 13 points. DJIA is several hundred points off a record on Dec. 4.

Stock indices in the U.S on Monday each dropped less than 1% after the letters were made public.

1 of 2 | The so-called BRICS group of countries is reportedly set to issue a formal statement criticizing the United States current tariff situation, when the group meets for a two-day summit in Brazil, hosted by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

July 5 (UPI) — The so-called BRICS group of countries is reportedly set to issue a formal statement criticizing the United States current tariff situation when the group meets for a two-day summit in Brazil.

Brazil, India, Russia, China, South Africa and the other five countries that comprise the intergovernmental organization, are expected to adopt a position of “serious concern” regarding U.S. President Donald Trump‘s enactment of so-called reciprocal tariffs, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with ongoing deliberations.

Leaders of the BRICS countries are in Rio de Janeiro for the group’s 17th summit which begins Sunday and is being hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Brazil currently holds the BRICS chair position and counts the United States as its second-biggest trading partner after China.

Earlier in the week, Trump confirmed U.S. tariffs will begin July 9 when a 90-day pause is scheduled to end. The president has previously been at odds with the organization.

After winning the election last year and before taking office, Trump said the group would “wave goodbye to America” if it created its own currency, adding he would also impose a 100% tariff in U.S. domestic markets if that scenario unfolded.

In 2023, BRICS formally invited Saudi Arabia and Iran to join the organization. Iran became the group’s latest member last year.

Last month, BRICS issued a statement on the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, using the same “grave concern” language.

The organization continues its recruiting attempts.

Last month, Colombia announced it would become a member of the BRICS-backed New Development Bank as the country looks to distance itself from its reliance on Western financial markets.