Brazil dismisses US pressure after Bolsonaro ruling, calls tariffs a political measure
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira rejected international pressure — including from the United States — to release former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to more than 27 years in prison for attempting a coup.
Speaking to CNN, Vieira said President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has no authority to interfere in judicial matters, stressing that Brazil’s three branches of government operate independently. “Talking about the trial and demanding his release is interference in Brazil’s internal affairs. It is impossible for President Lula to intervene”, he said.
Bolsonaro’s lawyers announced plans to appeal the Supreme Federal Court ruling, describing the sentence as “absurdly excessive and disproportionate”. They also indicated they may take the case to international courts.
The conviction has sparked diplomatic friction, particularly after former US President Donald Trump denounced the ruling as a “witch hunt” and imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian products in protest. Trump also compared Bolsonaro’s case to his own legal battles, claiming both were victims of political persecution. Lula responded firmly: “This country is an example of how democracy is practised”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s remarks, calling the verdict “unjust” and warning that Washington would “respond accordingly”. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s supporters in Brazil and the US continue to demand an amnesty, while protests in Brazilian cities show a divided public opinion between calls for his release and rejection of a pardon.
On trade, Vieira criticised Washington’s recent tariff hikes on Brazilian goods, labelling them “clearly political”. He said a US official privately admitted the measures were not based on commercial reasons, urging Brazilian business leaders to lobby against them.
“There is no economic basis for these tariffs”. Vieira said, noting Brazil runs a $25 billion annual trade deficit with the US and already applies lower duties on American products than Washington imposes on Brazilian exports.
Vieira warned that if new sanctions are introduced under Trump, Brazil could use its recently approved Reciprocity Law, which allows retaliatory tariffs against countries using trade measures “for political or other purposes”.
Despite the tensions, Vieira said Brazil remains open to dialogue but reiterated that Bolsonaro’s conviction is not negotiable. “He is condemned and will serve his sentence. This is in the hands of justice, and nothing can be done”, he stated.
Brazil has already cut its 2025 growth forecast from 2.5% to 2.3%, citing high interest rates and the potential negative impact of US tariffs.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
