U.S. threatens response to 'witch hunt' following Bolsonaro's 27-year sentence
Analysts believe the chances of improving U.S.-Brazil relations in the near future are low, and the bilateral relationship will likely deteriorate.
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Brazil's Supreme Court sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting to orchestrate a coup that would have overturned the 2022 election results. This conviction has created serious international tensions, especially with the United States.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio harshly criticized the sentencing, describing it as a 'witch hunt' and warning that the U.S. would 'respond accordingly.' He particularly targeted Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of political persecution. The United States has already taken several confrontational measures in response to Bolsonaro's prosecution.
The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Justice de Moraes, while former President Trump implemented tariffs of up to 50% on most Brazilian products. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva firmly rejected these U.S. interventions, insisting that the legal proceedings against Bolsonaro are entirely a matter of Brazil's national sovereignty.
He emphasized that Brazil 'will not accept anyone's control' and that the case belongs exclusively to the country's judicial system.
Original Article
cnbc.comhttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/12/us-warns-of-response-to-witch-hunt-after-brazils-bolsonaro-sentenced-to-27-years.html