The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Opinion Brazil thwarted a coup attempt. Here are our lessons for the world.

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January 8, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. EST
Supporters of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro cover their faces as security forces fire tear gas at the Planalto Presidential Palace in Brasília on Jan. 8, 2023. (Sergio Lima/AFP via Getty Images)
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Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is president of Brazil.

BRASÍLIA — This Jan. 8 marks one year since the resilience of Brazilian democracy was severely tested. A week after the inauguration of a newly elected government, extremist groups invaded the headquarters of the republic’s three branches of power. Driven by lies and disinformation, they broke windows and destroyed historical objects and works of art while transmitting their actions over the internet.