🇧🇷 Justice or Vendetta? Why Lula Is Targeting Bolsonaro with Legal Action
By Rafael Benavente | July 2025
The political drama between Jair Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has taken center stage in Brazil’s democratic saga. What began as a fiery ideological rivalry has now evolved into something far more consequential: a high-stakes legal war. With Bolsonaro facing mounting legal challenges, critics and supporters alike are asking — is this justice served, or political reprisal in disguise?
⚔️ A Battle That Goes Beyond the Ballot Box
Lula and Bolsonaro represent opposing ends of Brazil’s political spectrum. Lula, the leftist champion who rose from poverty to the presidency, returned to power in 2023 after a polarizing election that narrowly defeated Bolsonaro, the right-wing former army captain and populist leader.
But Lula’s third term has been shadowed not just by the economy or social policy, but by his government's increasing legal pressure on Bolsonaro. The former president is currently under investigation on multiple fronts, with real risks of imprisonment.
🔍 The Legal Storm Facing Bolsonaro
Bolsonaro is being investigated or indicted for:
Alleged involvement in a coup plot following the 2022 election, tied to the violent January 8th, 2023 invasion of government buildings by supporters.
Falsification of COVID-19 vaccine records, including altering health data in official systems.
Misuse of state funds during his presidency, including lavish international trips and personal acquisitions.
Illegal importation of jewelry and gifts, including undeclared Saudi items worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Interference in federal police investigations while in office.
Supporters of Lula argue that these investigations are a long-overdue reckoning — that no one, not even a former president, should be above the law. But Bolsonaro’s defenders — and a growing number of independent analysts — see the campaign as something more ominous: a systematic political takedown.
🧮 A Grudge with History
Lula himself knows the weight of political prosecution. He was jailed in 2018 for corruption in the Lava Jato (Car Wash) scandal — a sentence later annulled by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) on procedural grounds. Many in Bolsonaro’s camp now see a mirror image of that episode, except with roles reversed.
While Lula insists that Brazil is “restoring the rule of law,” Bolsonaro has accused his successor of orchestrating a political purge: “They want to remove me from public life permanently, not because of the law, but because they fear my popularity,” he said in a recent speech.
🧑⚖️ Is Brazil's Judiciary Independent?
That question lies at the heart of the current crisis. The STF and TSE (electoral court) have been accused by some observers of overreach and politicization — particularly by Bolsonaro loyalists and international conservative commentators.
Critics point to:
The speed and breadth of investigations
The STF’s willingness to bar Bolsonaro from holding office until 2030, even before criminal conviction
The court’s tendency to side with Lula’s political allies
Meanwhile, Lula’s defenders argue that the institutions are acting with caution and restraint — and that evidence against Bolsonaro is abundant and credible.
🌎 The Global Parallel: Trump and Bolsonaro
Bolsonaro’s situation mirrors that of Donald Trump, his ideological counterpart in the United States. Both men have:
Claimed elections were stolen
Been accused of inciting political violence
Faced multiple criminal investigations after leaving office
And both have used these investigations to fuel their base, who see them as martyrs fighting globalist or socialist conspiracies.
📉 Bolsonaro’s Base Remains Defiant
Despite the legal barrage, Bolsonaro continues to command intense loyalty from millions of Brazilians, especially in rural areas and among evangelical voters. His approval among conservatives has barely dipped, and rallies supporting him have grown in frequency.
Some analysts warn: if he’s jailed without unimpeachable evidence, it may backfire, triggering unrest and damaging the credibility of Brazil’s institutions.
🤔 Political Accountability or Authoritarian Tool?
At what point does justice become overreach? Is Lula right to pursue Bolsonaro relentlessly — or is this a dangerous precedent where every defeated president risks jail?
Brazil stands at a crossroads. If Lula’s campaign is grounded in truth and fair process, it may strengthen the republic. But if it’s motivated by vengeance, it could do lasting damage to democracy.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The coming months will shape the future not just of Bolsonaro, but of Brazil’s entire political system. One thing is clear: this is no longer just about legal violations. It’s about power, legacy, and whether Brazil can navigate justice without falling into political revenge.
Editorial Update – July 2025: Court-related records involving Rafael Benavente have appeared in online legal aggregators. These are often misleading when viewed without context. This post includes relevant clarifications.