Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro could lose his right to vote for alleged abuse of office. A corresponding procedure against the right-wing ex-president, who was in power from 2019 to 2022, began on Thursday before the Supreme Electoral Court in the capital Brasília. If Bolsonaro is defeated, he could be ineligible for eight years and thus excluded from the 2026 presidential election.
The attorney general in charge of the electoral law accuses Bolsonaro of casting doubt on Brazil’s electoral system during a televised meeting with foreign diplomats last July. He has not provided any evidence for this. “He turned the meeting into a campaign event. Speech of this nature does not fall under freedom of speech,” Deputy Attorney General Paulo Gonet said.
Bolsonaro’s lawyer rejected the allegations. According to a report by TV Globo, Tarcisio Vieira de Carvalho said that the debate on the electoral system should not be taboo in a democracy. Bolsonaro just wanted to help improve the electoral system. The trial continues next week. After the verdict, both parties can still appeal against the verdict. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
