U.S. warns of response to 'witch hunt' after Brazil’s Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years
Original story by
CNBC•Sep 12•Brazil, U.S., Democracy, Judiciary
📰 Article Summary
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Brazil's Supreme Court sentencing of former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup. Rubio described the conviction as a politically motivated attack, asserting that the U.S. will respond appropriately, although details were not provided. This situation escalated tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, with President Lula da Silva criticizing the U.S. for perceived interference in Brazil's judicial matters and threatening retaliation against U.S. tariffs imposed due to Bolsonaro's prosecution.
📌 Key Facts
- Bolsonaro's Sentencing: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison by Brazil's Supreme Court after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit a coup against the 2022 election results.
- U.S. Response: Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. will 'respond accordingly' to what he termed a 'witch hunt' against Bolsonaro, hinting at potential measures against Brazilian officials but not providing specifics.
- Political Tensions: The ruling has heightened diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Brazil, with President Lula da Silva denouncing U.S. tariffs imposed on Brazilian goods and asserting Brazil's sovereignty.
- Sanctions and Tariffs: The U.S. Treasury had previously sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and recent tariff increases could further strain relations as both countries trade accusations.
- Historical Context: Bolsonaro's conviction marks the first time a former Brazilian president has been sentenced for threatening democracy, raising concerns about the state of political affairs in Brazil.
📂 Article Classification
Topic Tags: International Relations
📍 Location
Brasília, Brazil
Content is AI generated and may contain inaccurate information.