Bolsonaro Seeks Literary Escape from 27-Year Sentence by Reading Books, But Can He Handle the Text?
A novel approach by Bolsonaro's lawyers has led to the former far-right Brazilian president being given a chance to cut his 27-year prison sentence by reading books. Brazilian law allows inmates to reduce their sentences by four days for each title read, and it appears Bolsonaro will take advantage of this opportunity.
However, his affinity for literature remains questionable. "Sorry, I don't have time to read," he once said. "It's been three years since I read a book." Despite the lack of interest in reading, Bolsonaro's lawyers successfully petitioned the court for him to participate in the scheme, which includes books on Indigenous rights, racism, environmental issues, and the violence of Brazil's 1964-85 dictatorship.
The approved list of readings seems unlikely to appeal to Bolsonaro. The titles include Ana Maria Gonçalves' 950-page "A Colour Defect", a historical account from a Black woman's perspective, as well as Philip Bunting's children's book "Democracy!" and works by authors such as Leo Tolstoy and Miguel de Cervantes.
The books chosen for the reading list are substantial, with some titles exceeding 1,000 pages. However, it is unclear if Bolsonaro will be able to read them all, given his past reluctance to engage in literary pursuits. His favorite book from the 2018 presidential election was one by Carlos Alberto Brilhante Ustra, a notorious army colonel accused of torture during the dictatorship.
Ustra's book does not feature on the justice system's approved reading list but does include Marcelo Rubens Paiva's "I'm Still Here", which deals with the plight of prisoners who disappeared into torture centers. Whether Bolsonaro will be able to handle the complex themes and texts in this list remains to be seen.
For now, it appears that Bolsonaro has a new opportunity to reduce his sentence while engaging in activities he previously deemed too time-consuming. However, the prospect of him tackling books on sensitive topics like Indigenous rights and the dictatorship is uncertain, to say the least.
A novel approach by Bolsonaro's lawyers has led to the former far-right Brazilian president being given a chance to cut his 27-year prison sentence by reading books. Brazilian law allows inmates to reduce their sentences by four days for each title read, and it appears Bolsonaro will take advantage of this opportunity.
However, his affinity for literature remains questionable. "Sorry, I don't have time to read," he once said. "It's been three years since I read a book." Despite the lack of interest in reading, Bolsonaro's lawyers successfully petitioned the court for him to participate in the scheme, which includes books on Indigenous rights, racism, environmental issues, and the violence of Brazil's 1964-85 dictatorship.
The approved list of readings seems unlikely to appeal to Bolsonaro. The titles include Ana Maria Gonçalves' 950-page "A Colour Defect", a historical account from a Black woman's perspective, as well as Philip Bunting's children's book "Democracy!" and works by authors such as Leo Tolstoy and Miguel de Cervantes.
The books chosen for the reading list are substantial, with some titles exceeding 1,000 pages. However, it is unclear if Bolsonaro will be able to read them all, given his past reluctance to engage in literary pursuits. His favorite book from the 2018 presidential election was one by Carlos Alberto Brilhante Ustra, a notorious army colonel accused of torture during the dictatorship.
Ustra's book does not feature on the justice system's approved reading list but does include Marcelo Rubens Paiva's "I'm Still Here", which deals with the plight of prisoners who disappeared into torture centers. Whether Bolsonaro will be able to handle the complex themes and texts in this list remains to be seen.
For now, it appears that Bolsonaro has a new opportunity to reduce his sentence while engaging in activities he previously deemed too time-consuming. However, the prospect of him tackling books on sensitive topics like Indigenous rights and the dictatorship is uncertain, to say the least.
but i guess its better than just getting in trouble 4 real. the book list looks pretty intense tho like what's gonna happen wen he tries 2 tackle those pages on indigenous rights & the dictatorship? his history of dismissin' sensitive topics kinda raises some concerns about whether he can actually handle it
. I mean, Bolsonaro's been in a tight spot for 27 years and now he's looking for an easy way out? 
It's like he thinks reading books will somehow magically erase the past and make everything okay. Newsflash: it won't 
.
. I mean, how many times can you read about Indigenous rights or environmental issues before you actually understand the impact of your actions? 
It seems like a convenient excuse to avoid getting his hands dirty with some hard truth. 
. i'll believe it when i see it
... I've heard that adding some matcha powder to oatmeal gives it such a nice green tea flavor 
. Has anyone else tried it? Should I add it to my shopping list? And, btw, have you guys seen those adorable cat videos on TikTok lately? The ones where they're just sitting in front of the camera, looking all smug and cute 
...
. I'm curious if he'll actually finish some of those massive novels, or just skim through 'em like he did Ustra's book 
). And who knows, maybe reading some Leo Tolstoy and Miguel de Cervantes will even make him kinda... enlightened? 
Wouldn't that be something? 
, and let me tell you, it was a real challenge. I think Bolsonaro might need some help finding a comfy spot to read all those pages, or maybe just take breaks every now and then like I do when watching football matches 
️... did you know that Brazilian soccer is super popular worldwide?
. It's like trying to teach a dog new tricks - it's not going to happen overnight.
and the fact that he only said sorry when it was time to vote out of convenience 
. And let's be real, his past comments on reading aren't exactly inspiring 
. Can't imagine him diving into a 950-page book 
. This guy's got a lot of 'splainin' to do after this is all said and done 
. I mean, he's been in politics for ages and still thinks reading books is beneath him? 27 years of prison sentence and now they're giving him a get outta jail free card by reading some books? 
Those books on Indigenous rights and dictatorship are no joke, fam! 