The Foreign Desk Above the law?
13 snips
Sep 20, 2025 
Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Monocle's senior correspondent, dives into the prosecution of Brazil's Bolsonaro, discussing the muted reactions and future implications. Gary Murphy reveals the extraordinary corruption of Charles Haughey and the reforms Ireland implemented to combat it. Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld explores why Trump faced no prosecution for January 6, examining executive immunity and the dangers of a polarized political landscape. Together, they unravel the tensions between accountability and power in democracies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Law Versus Political Expedience
- Democracies claim nobody is above the law, yet exceptions are routinely made when leaders break norms.
- The episode contrasts US hesitation with Brazil's conviction to show divergent enforcement outcomes.
Brazil Chose Prosecution Over Amnesty
- Fernando Pacheco recounts Brazil's choice to prosecute Bolsonaro rather than grant amnesty as historically significant.
- He stresses the country had proof Bolsonaro planned a coup and that military reluctance prevented its success.
Conviction Didn't Collapse Support
- The Bolsonaro verdict produced a muted immediate reaction and only modest polling shifts.
- Fernando notes Bolsonaro retains roughly 30% support and could still influence the right's candidate selection.