Brazilian Mayor Accused of Staging Fake Assassination Attempt Ahead of Election

Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has been formally accused of masterminding a murderous conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the government and assassinating political opponents, according to reports. Critic Cesar Calejon stated that this is a critical moment that likely foreshadows Bolsonaro’s imprisonment. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face over 40 years in prison. This latest indictment follows a series of political obstacles for the ex-president, including a ban on seeking office for eight years due to spreading false information about Brazil's electronic voting systems after he lost the 2022 election to leftist leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro's legal troubles have intensified the competition among right-wing politicians vying to succeed him, including influential governors and his own son, Eduardo Bolsonaro. Legal experts, including former justice secretary Augusto de Arruda Botelho, believe the charges carry significant weight against Bolsonaro. The Brazilian Supreme Court is expected to review the allegations soon, which may lead to a lengthy trial process. Observers note a stark contrast between Bolsonaro's challenges and the political resurgence of his ally, Donald Trump, as concerns grow over potential U.S. interference in Brazil’s judicial affairs.

Developing countries are urging wealthier nations to act decisively on climate change ahead of the critical COP30 summit scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil. Diplomatic efforts are focused on bridging divisions exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's approach, as officials warn that the goal of limiting global temperature rise is at risk. Ali Mohamed, chair of the African group of negotiators, emphasized that Africa, contributing less than 4% of global emissions, suffers disproportionately from climate impacts and called for accountability from G20 nations. Furthermore, vulnerable nations expressed a need for significant financial support to combat climate consequences, with Evans Njewa of the least developed countries group stating that adaptation efforts are of utmost priority. COP30 comes on the heels of COP29's unfulfilled promises of climate financing, which left many in the developing world dissatisfied. Experts note that the upcoming summit represents one of the last opportunities to enact stringent national plans crucial for maintaining temperature rise within safe limits, underlining the importance of financial commitments from developed nations.

British journalist Charlotte Alice Peet, 32, has been reported missing in Brazil after losing contact with family members while in São Paulo. According to the ACIE, the association of foreign correspondents in Brazil, Peet last communicated with a friend on February 8, indicating her intention to travel to Rio de Janeiro before her disappearance. Her family became concerned when they were unable to reach her days later and notified her friend of the situation. Peet has worked as a freelance correspondent for various organizations, including Al Jazeera and The Times newspaper, and had previously resided in Brazil before returning in November 2024. The case was initially reported to the police in Rio de Janeiro, but it has since been transferred to São Paulo, where Peet was last seen. The São Paulo Public Security Secretariat has stated that its department of homicide and protection of the person will assist in the investigation. The ACIE issued a statement seeking urgent action from authorities to locate Peet, expressing sympathy for her family and friends during this difficult time.