Bolsonaro Convicted: Thousands of Brazilians Celebrate on Streets

Brazilians Celebrate Bolsonaro Conviction as Thousands Take to the Streets RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — Thousands of Brazilians poured into the streets on Friday to celebrate the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a military coup after his 2022 election loss. The verdict marked a historic moment in Brazilian politics, with progressive politicians hailing it as a victory for democracy and right-wing figures responding with anger and threats. Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison by a federal court on Thursday for leading a criminal organization that sought to seize power after his defeat in the election. The former president's supporters had vowed to resist any attempt to take him into custody, but authorities were able to secure him at his ranch in Rio de Janeiro. "It's a great day for democracy," said Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the current President of Brazil and a key figure in Bolsonaro's ouster. "This verdict shows that those who seek to undermine our democratic institutions will be held accountable." Chilean President Gabriel Boric was among the regional leaders who congratulated Brazil on the conviction, calling it a "victory for democracy" and praising the Brazilian judiciary for its independence. However, right-wing figures in Brazil linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump responded with anger and threats. Bolsonaro's son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, called the verdict a "coup against the people" and vowed to continue fighting for his father's release. The conviction is seen as a significant blow to Bolsonaro's legacy and a major victory for Brazil's democratic institutions. The former president had been accused of using his influence to incite violence and undermine the electoral process after his loss in 2022. Bolsonaro's supporters have vowed to continue resisting the verdict, with some calling for protests and others threatening to take matters into their own hands. Authorities are on high alert, with security forces deployed across the country to maintain order. The trial was widely seen as a test of Brazil's democratic institutions, and its outcome is likely to have far-reaching implications for politics in the region. The verdict has also sparked debate about the role of the judiciary in holding politicians accountable for their actions. As the situation continues to unfold, officials are bracing for possible unrest and warning of potential sanctions from international partners. The U.S. Embassy in Brazil issued a statement urging calm and cautioning against any attempts to disrupt public order. The conviction is also expected to have significant policy implications, with some analysts predicting that it could lead to increased scrutiny of politicians' actions and greater accountability for those who seek to undermine the democratic process. In the coming days, Brazilians will be watching closely as authorities work to implement the verdict and ensure Bolsonaro's surrender. The country is bracing for a potentially volatile period, with many wondering what the future holds for Brazilian politics. *Reporting by Theguardian.*