Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison. The Supreme Court ruled he plotted a military coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
A panel of five Supreme Court justices convicted Bolsonaro. Four voted guilty, while one voted to acquit. The court also barred him from holding public office until 2033.
Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest as he is considered a flight risk. He did not attend the trial’s final session. He has previously called the case a “witch hunt” aimed at stopping him from running in 2026.
International Reactions
The verdict drew reactions abroad. Former U.S. President Donald Trump described it as “very surprising,” comparing it to his own legal challenges. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the ruling, prompting Brazil’s foreign ministry to defend its judiciary and democracy.
Charges and Co-Conspirators
Bolsonaro was found guilty of five charges, all linked to trying to cling to power. Prosecutors said he had proposed a coup to military leaders and knew of assassination plans against Lula, his vice president, and a Supreme Court justice.
Seven co-conspirators were also convicted, including two former defense ministers, a former spy chief, and a former security minister. The plot led to the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings by Bolsonaro supporters. Order was restored quickly, and over 1,500 people were arrested.
Supreme Court Warnings
Justice Alexandre de Moraes said Brazil had nearly returned to authoritarianism. Justice Cármen Lúcia called the coup attempt a “virus” that threatens society if left unchecked. The sole dissenting justice, Luiz Fux, argued the accusations were unfounded.
Bolsonaro now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison. Appeals are expected, though legal experts say overturning the conviction may be difficult.
