Bolsonaro Stripped of Presidential Benefits as 27-Year Prison Sentance Takes hold
A federal court in Brazil has suspended the lifetime benefits afforded to former President Jair Bolsonaro, just months after he was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for leading a conspiracy to undermine the country’s democratic institutions. The decision, handed down on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, mandates that the Union cease providing Bolsonaro with civil servants, official vehicles, drivers, and advisors while he serves his sentence in a closed-regime prison.
The ruling stems from a request by Belo Horizonte councilor Pedro Rousseff, who argued that continuing to fund these benefits for an incarcerated former president was an inappropriate use of public funds. According to court documents, the resources were being invested in “a structure that has become useless and incompatible with the condition of prisoner.” In the first six months of 2023 alone, expenses related to Bolsonaro’s team totaled R$521,073 – approximately $104,214 USD. This included R$310,100 for salaries, R$134,300 for travel, and R$4,700 for vehicle maintenance.
The judge overseeing the case agreed, stating that the benefits were “incompatible with the current situation of the former president, who is serving a prison sentence.”
This progress follows a series of events that unfolded after Bolsonaro’s defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election.
Here’s a breakdown of the key events:
- Election Defeat & Disputed Results: bolsonaro lost the election to Lula,instantly questioning the integrity of the electoral process without providing evidence.
- Spread of Disinformation: The former president and his allies disseminated false claims of electoral fraud, inciting supporters against the democratic transition.
- Coup Planning Revealed: Leaked audio recordings revealed planning for a potential military coup, including a scheme known as “Operação Verde e Amarelo” (Operation Green and Yellow), with Bolsonaro’s alleged involvement.
- BrasÃlia Attacks: Supporters stormed Brazil’s Congress, the Supreme Federal Court (STF), and the presidential palace in BrasÃlia, in an act widely condemned as an attempted coup orchestrated by Bolsonarista networks.
- Federal Police Investigation: The Federal Police (PF) launched an investigation into the coup plot, gathering evidence of meetings and communications between Bolsonaro and military officials.
- Formal Accusation: A PF report formally accused Bolsonaro of leading a conspiracy to annul the election and unlawfully arrest authorities.
- STF Accepts Complaint: The STF accepted a complaint against Bolsonaro and 36 allies for attempted coup d’état.
- preventive House Arrest: Bolsonaro was placed under preventive house arrest during preparations for his trial at the STF.
- Initial Conviction: In September, the STF sentenced bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for coup plotting, corruption, and inciting anti-democratic acts.
- Finality of Sentence: On November 25, the Court declared the case final, and Minister Alexandre de Moraes ordered the immediate commencement of the sentence.
Bolsonaro is currently detained at the Federal Police superintendence in BrasÃlia. His defense team has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the suspension of benefits.
Legal Framework for Former Presidents
Decree 6,381, which regulates the law governing benefits for former presidents, stipulates that thay are entitled to:
- services of four civil servants for security and personal support.
- Two official vehicles with dedicated drivers.
- Advisory services from two civil servants holding positions within the superior Management and Advisory Group (DAS), level 5.
The court’s decision effectively suspends these entitlements while Bolsonaro remains incarcerated,highlighting the conflict between his former status and his current legal predicament. The case underscores the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for the January 8th attacks and subsequent attempts to destabilize Brazil’s democracy accountable for their actions.
