Post Reports: Inside ex-Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's Fight to Stay Out of Prison

Episode Overview Post Reports, hosted by Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi, delves into the tumultuous political landscape of Brazil, focusing on former President Jair Bolsonaro's ongoing battle to avoid imprisonment. Released on July 14, 2025, this episode offers an in-depth exploration of Bolsonaro's rise, his controversial actions post-presidency, and the broader implications for democracy in Latin America.

1. Introduction to Jair Bolsonaro's Political Turmoil

Time Stamp: [00:34]

Elahe Izadi sets the stage by drawing parallels between the tumultuous events in Brazil and the infamous January 6, 2021, insurrection in the United States. She highlights the charged atmosphere following Bolsonaro's narrow election loss and the subsequent violent insurrection on January 8, 2023.

2. Bolsonaro: A Divisive Figure in Brazilian Politics

Time Stamp: [01:11] - [02:25]

Terry McCoy describes Bolsonaro as "without a doubt the most divisive politician that Brazil has seen since it became a democracy again in 1985" ([01:11]). Marina Diaz adds that Bolsonaro thrives on being surrounded by his supporters, emphasizing his populist and charismatic approach to politics.

Bolsonaro, a former military officer, gained prominence through populist rhetoric and machismo, leading to his election as Brazil's president in 2018. However, his tenure was marred by divisive policies and contentious remarks, ultimately leading to his defeat in the 2020 re-election by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

3. The January 8, 2023 Insurrection: Echoes of January 6

Time Stamp: [12:29] - [20:02]

Elahe Izadi contrasts Brazil's January 8 insurrection with the U.S. January 6 events. Terry McCoy provides a detailed account:

"Thousands of people descended upon Brasília. They were joined by a radical faction... breaking into the buildings and vandalizing them. It was a stunning echo of what had happened in Washington on January 6th" ([12:29]).

The insurrection targeted Brazil's Supreme Court, Presidential palace, and Congressional buildings. Bolsonaro's role is scrutinized, as he had repeatedly claimed the 2022 election was "rigged against him," setting the stage for the unrest.

4. Bolsonaro's Criminal Charges and Legal Battles

Time Stamp: [22:17] - [33:44]

Following the insurrection, Bolsonaro faces serious allegations, including orchestrating a coup to maintain power and plotting the assassination of rivals like Lula da Silva. Marina Diaz outlines the charges:

"He's under trial on the charges of staging a coup to stay in power" ([02:18]).

The investigation began with the discovery of a fraudulent COVID vaccine card Bolsonaro used when traveling to the U.S., which led authorities to uncover his and his allies' attempts to undermine democracy. As a result, Bolsonaro is banned from running for office until 2030 and faces potential imprisonment for up to 30 years if convicted.

5. Bolsonaro and Donald Trump: Parallels and Divergences

Time Stamp: [03:07] - [31:49]

The episode explores the relationship between Bolsonaro and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Terry McCoy notes Trump's support for Bolsonaro, even declaring him "one of the great presidents of any country in the world" ([11:07]). However, despite their similarities in populist approaches, their legal predicaments differ significantly.

Bolsonaro contrasts his situation with Trump's, suggesting both are victims of "lawfare" and overzealous prosecutions. Yet, unlike Trump, Bolsonaro faces stringent legal barriers preventing his return to office, partly due to Brazil's robust democracy preservation laws established post-dictatorship.

6. Exclusive Interview with Jair Bolsonaro

Time Stamp: [07:29] - [37:54]

Elahe Izadi provides an insider look into a rare interview with Bolsonaro, conducted by Terry McCoy and Marina Diaz. Key moments include:

• Bolsonaro's Demeanor: Despite facing possible imprisonment, Bolsonaro appears "big, gregarious, and really took over that room" ([08:25]).

• Displaying Trump's Endorsement: He prominently showcases a book with a handwritten note from Trump saying, "Jair, you are great" ([09:12]).

• Denial of Involvement: Bolsonaro vehemently denies orchestrating the January 8 insurrection, labeling the allegations as "complete baloney" ([27:17]).

• Symbolism and Personal Narratives: Bolsonaro shares personal anecdotes, including surviving an assassination attempt in 2018, which he uses to craft a "Messiah-like" image ([32:59]). His middle name, Messias (Messiah), underscores this narrative ([33:24]).

• Populist Gestures: The former president gifts reporters personalized items tied to his campaign slogans, such as a coin bearing the vulgar term "imbroxavio," symbolizing his appeal to traditional masculinity and virility ([35:52]).

Both reporters returned the gifts, adhering to journalistic ethics.

7. Implications for Brazilian and Global Democracy

Time Stamp: [38:46] - [40:03]

The discussion shifts to the broader impact of Bolsonaro's legal challenges on democracy both in Brazil and globally. Terry McCoy emphasizes Brazil's role as a bellwether nation, highlighting how its response to authoritarianism and democratic preservation can influence other countries facing similar threats.

Marina Diaz reflects on the uniqueness of Brazil's legal framework, which effectively holds politicians accountable, contrasting it with systems like that of the United States.

8. Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Democracy

Time Stamp: [40:09]

Elahe Izadi wraps up the episode by acknowledging the significance of Bolsonaro's trial and its potential as a case study for democracies worldwide grappling with populist and authoritarian tendencies. The hosts underscore the importance of holding leaders accountable to preserve democratic institutions and prevent the erosion of democratic norms.

Notable Quotes:

• Terry McCoy: "Jair Bolsonaro is... the most divisive politician that Brazil has seen since it became a democracy again in 1985." ([01:11])

• Marina Diaz: "I thought, I will die. I'm not exaggerating. Like, it was very, very terrifying." ([19:25])

• Bolsonaro: "It's completely absurd to say that he had plotted to assassinate Lula." ([27:17])

Final Remarks

This episode of Post Reports offers a comprehensive examination of Jair Bolsonaro's efforts to evade justice amidst serious allegations and the broader struggle between authoritarianism and democratic resilience in Brazil. Through exclusive interviews and expert analysis, listeners gain valuable insights into the precarious state of Latin America's largest democracy and the global implications for democratic institutions.