Brazilian authorities gathered in Brasília on Wednesday to commemorate the second anniversary of an alleged coup attempt by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The event, marked by both reflection and celebration, underscored the nation’s commitment to democracy.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, accompanied by Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Luiz Edson Fachin, led the ceremony at the presidential palace.
The palace was among several government buildings damaged by Bolsonaro supporters in their failed bid to provoke a military intervention to oust Lula from office in 2023.
“We are here not to mourn, but certainly not to forget,” said Brazil’s First Lady, Rosângela da Silva, known as Janja. “We are here to celebrate and strengthen democracy and hand over to the Brazilian people their fully restored heritage.” Her words set the tone for a ceremony aimed at reaffirming the country’s democratic resilience.
On January 8, 2023, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed the presidential palace, Congress, and the Supreme Court, smashing windows, vandalizing artwork, and defiling historic memorabilia. Their actions were a direct challenge to Lula’s presidency, barely a week after his inauguration.
Since then, much of the damaged artwork has been restored, thanks to a partnership with Swiss authorities. These restored pieces are now being reintroduced to the public, symbolizing the restoration of Brazil’s democratic institutions.
Lula had invited Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco and Lower House Speaker Arthur Lira to the event, though neither attended.
Art and Justice in the Aftermath
The Supreme Court plans to host discussions with staffers who witnessed the January 8 invasion and those involved in the reconstruction efforts.
Additionally, a remembrance website and an art exhibition featuring pieces created from the wreckage will be launched, offering a poignant reminder of the events.
This anniversary comes as Bolsonaro faces multiple legal challenges. Federal police have accused him and 36 others, including senior military officers, of attempting a coup.
Although the charges remain sealed, investigations are ongoing to determine Bolsonaro’s role in inciting the uprising.
Bolsonaro, a vocal admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump, saw his political career further tarnished after narrowly losing the 2022 election to Lula.
His rhetoric mirrored Trump’s, casting doubt on the election’s legitimacy without conceding defeat. The January 8 riot in Brasília bore a striking resemblance to the Capitol insurrection in Washington in January 2021.
Legal Troubles Mount for Bolsonaro
Legal experts suggest that Bolsonaro could face trial in 2025 for allegedly falsifying his COVID-19 vaccination status. Additionally, he might stand trial before 2026 for purportedly embezzling jewels gifted by Saudi Arabian officials.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s electoral court has already barred him from running for office until 2030, citing abuses of power and undermining the electronic voting system.
The Supreme Court, particularly Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees several investigations against Bolsonaro’s supporters, remains a focal point of their ire. De Moraes has warned that any celebration of the January 8 events would be deemed a criminal act.
According to a Supreme Court report released Tuesday, 898 individuals have been held accountable for the uprising, with 371 convicted and the rest entering leniency agreements. Another 485 investigations are ongoing, indicating that the judicial process is far from over.
The ceremony and ongoing legal proceedings signal Brazil’s determination to hold those responsible for the 2023 insurrection accountable while reinforcing democratic values.
