Dear John,

This week, Brazil continued to witness critical developments that underscore the ongoing tensions between democratic accountability and authoritarian resistance in the Americas. On September 11, Brazil's Supreme Court delivered a historic ruling, convicting former President Jair Bolsonaro and sentencing him to over 27 years in prison for his role in the January 8, 2023, coup attempt. This landmark decision marks the first time in Brazil's history that a former president has been held accountable for undermining democratic institutions.

The Trump administration's aggressive response to this ruling—including sanctions, tariffs, and diplomatic pressure—has created a dangerous precedent of using economic and political leverage to interfere in another nation's judicial processes. To help our community understand the full implications of these developments, we published a comprehensive Q&A analysis: "Breakdown of the Rising Tensions Between the U.S. and Brazil Over the Bolsonaro Ruling". This piece examines not only the significance of Bolsonaro's conviction but also why the Trump administration's weaponization of trade policy and sanctions represents a troubling misuse of diplomatic tools to defend political allies.

Beyond these immediate political tensions, WOLA also joined over 140 organizations and 110 public figures worldwide in sending a letter to President Lula da Silva, an Afrodescendant, Indigenous, and African-led international letter, calling for reparative and climate justice to be central to COP30. As Brazil prepares to host this crucial climate summit in Belém in November, the letter emphasizes that meaningful climate action cannot be achieved without including its proposals. Climate justice for people of African descent, Africans, and Indigenous peoples requires addressing the inequalities that remain due to colonialism and enslavement since these historical injustices continue to shape environmental vulnerabilities today.

These interconnected issues—democratic accountability, climate justice, and the rights of marginalized communities—will be explored further this week at an important event: "Brazil: Democracy and the Challenges Facing Social Movements” on Wednesday, October 1st, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Georgetown University's ICC Building. Brazilian civil society leaders will discuss the ongoing challenges of defending democracy, human rights, and justice for Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities in this critical moment.

As these events unfold, WOLA remains committed to supporting democratic institutions, climate justice, and the rights of vulnerable communities throughout the Americas. The Brazilian case serves as both a cautionary tale about the fragility of democratic norms and an inspiring example of judicial courage in the face of authoritarian pressure.

In solidarity,

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli

Director for the Andes

For human rights activists across Latin America right now, the stakes are high. Violence around elections is on the rise, as are threats against those who speak in favor of justice and accountability.

Your support of WOLA creates space to amplify the voices of those who put their life on the line to champion human rights; from Caracas, to San Salvador, and everywhere in between.

“If somebody in the Trump administration decides there’s a need to use drones in the interior over U.S. citizens, resources won’t be an issue. Because there’s just not that much to monitor at the border.” 

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight

– Los Angeles Times, Predator drones shift from border patrol to protest surveillance

“This new military action could constitute an extrajudicial execution and must be investigated. Drug trafficking activities linked to Maduro's illegitimate and authoritarian government in Venezuela do not justify the use of lethal force.” This article is in Spanish.

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– El País, Estados Unidos mantiene sus hostilidades contra Venezuela

“There is ample evidence worldwide that the use of military force to control illicit drug trafficking does not work.” This article is in Spanish.

John Walsh

Director for Drug Policy and the Andes

– BBC Mundo, Por qué los ataques militares de EE.UU. a barcos de Venezuela son vistos como una escalada "radical" de su guerra contra las drogas (y qué significan para México)

Please consider making a gift to support the creation of our Weekly Newsletter, and all areas of our human rights advocacy work, by clicking the button above.

Thank You!

Copyright © 2023 Washington Office on Latin America, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are signed up to the WOLA mailing list.

WOLA
1666 Connecticut Ave NW
Suite 400, DC 20009
United States

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.