In the tumultuous theater of global politics, coup attempts are one of the more dramatic bids for power. Some succeed and others fail, leading to legal repercussions that may be intriguing as the plots themselves. As we observe the Musk coup d’état unfold in the U.S., it got me thinking that we should consider some failed coups, each marked by peculiarities and legal entanglements that underscore the unpredictable nature of political power plays. It’s not lost on me that this discussion further normalizes the unlawful overthrow of government, but my small voice here is meaningless compared to how Trump has normalized a coup as a method of changing government. Let’s dig in.
For more on the unpredictable world of political power plays, including Trump’s influence on modern political tactics, check out our coverage of Trump’s legal battles and their wider implications. Donald Trump found guilty of all 34 charges in hush money trial
The Poisonous Plot in Brazil
In a startling revelation, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been formally charged with orchestrating a coup attempt to retain power after his 2022 electoral defeat. Dubbed the “Green and Yellow Dagger,” the alleged plot involved plans to assassinate President Luiz InácioLula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The scheme purportedly included methods as nefarious as poisoning and bombing. Bolsonaro, along with 33 co-conspirators, faces serious charges that could lead to significant prison sentences if convicted. Violence is inevitable in a coup. It may not start out that way, but it always happens in some form or another.
Failed coups often come with unique legal complexities. Explore similar cases in our discussion of the limits of protest rights in Canada and how legal systems respond to political dissent. A Deeper Look at the Limits of Your Right to Protest
The International Misadventure in the Democratic Republic of Congo
A military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced 37 people, including three American citizens, to death for their roles in a failed coup attempt. The Americans—Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, Marcel Malanga, and Tyler Thompson Jr.—were accused of participating in a scheme to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi. The alleged mastermind, Christian Malanga, reportedly coerced the Americans into joining the plot under threat of death. The trial faced significant issues, including inadequate translation services and allegations of torture during interrogations. The severity of the sentences and the international dimensions of the case have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and have become a focal point in discussions about legal standards and human rights in coup-related prosecutions. Human rights are completely disregarded in coups, but it is not inevitable that they will be disregarded in the trials that should follow.
Human rights concerns don’t just arise abroad. Our article on the use of body cameras questions whether technology can prevent abuses, especially in cases involving police and state power. Body Cameras: Fool’s Gold in the Fight Against Police Violence?
The Mistaken Message in Michigan
Rudy Giuliani’s efforts to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election were partly thwarted by a simple misdial. On December 7, 2020, Giuliani attempted to persuade Michigan legislators to challenge the election results and appoint alternate electors. However, his urgent text message was sent to the wrong number, derailing the plan. This blunder was revealed in a declassified court document, highlighting how a minor mistake can have significant political ramifications. Giuliani now still faces multiple legal challenges, including criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona, suspension of his law license in New York, and disbarment in Washington, D.C.
Giuliani’s downfall echoes the complexities of criminal proceedings in politically charged cases. See how Canada handles high-profile criminal trials in our discussion of time limits and justice delays. Time limits meant to speed up justice have halted hundreds of criminal cases in Canada
The smallest errors can upend grand political schemes. Once a close ally of Trump, Giuliani now appears distanced from the inner circle. Trump has decided that Giuliani is a “loser,” a sentiment exacerbated by Giuliani’s missteps, such as the misdialed message. This distancing is consistent with tactics often employed by the mafia, where leaders sever ties with underlings who have failed or become liabilities. Giuliani’s legal troubles and diminished are part of the reshuffling of alliances and power dynamics within Trump’s circle, which is also a common feature during a coup and in the period that follows, whether it is successful or not.
Coup attempts are unpredictable and often farcical. They are weird and wacky, not funny generally but instructive and there are inevitably interesting stories that flow from them.
Stock up on supplies, brace for the next power shift, and we’ll see you next week.
If you’re fascinated by the strange twists in political and legal stories, don’t miss our previous Weird and Wacky Wednesdays editions for more unbelievable real-life tales. Weird and Wacky Wednesdays: Volume 301
