PL President Valdemar Costa Neto Downplays January 8th Attacks, Calls STF Ruling on “Coup Plot” Absurd
BRASÍLIA – Valdemar Costa Neto, president of the Liberal Party (PL), sparked controversy Monday by minimizing the January 8th, 2023 attacks on government buildings in Brasília and criticizing the Supreme Federal Court’s (STF) characterization of the events as a coup attempt. His comments drew immediate backlash from within Bolsonaro-aligned circles.
“Our big problem is that there was that mess on January 8 and the Supreme says that was a blow,” Costa Neto stated, adding, “Look, how absurd, comrade with stick, a bunch of foot of slipper breaking in front and they say that this is a blow.” He acknowledged the STF’s decision but argued it “must be respected.”
The remarks ignited division among supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Santa Catarina federal deputy Carol de Toni (PL) released a video denying the attacks constituted a coup, stating, “There was no blow on January 8th. What exists is a narrative created to pursue Bolsonaro and criminalize the right.”
From the United States, Bolsonaro ally Paulo Figueiredo echoed support for Costa Neto’s stance, while former Bolsonaro minister and lawyer Fabio Wajngarten sharply criticized the PL president’s comments on social media, stating, “It is no longer possible to listen and shut up. It is indeed coming.”
Costa Neto’s statements come after Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison for five crimes linked to the attempted coup following the 2022 elections. Seven other defendants considered central to the alleged plot, including military personnel and former ministers, received sentences ranging from two to 26 years.
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* Find out when Bolsonaro could compete for new elections after being convicted of the coup plot
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