A group of Brazilian Supreme Court judges sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison on Thursday for his involvement in an attempted coup to stay in power despite losing the 2022 election. Bolsonaro, a right-wing politician who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, was found guilty on five charges by four out of five justices on the panel. The latest justices to deliver their verdict were Cármen Lúcia and Cristiano Zanin, while Luiz Fux dissented and voted to acquit Bolsonaro.
Currently, Bolsonaro is serving house arrest in Brasilia. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision to the full bench of 11 Supreme Court justices. The ruling and sentence are expected to deepen political divides and may provoke a reaction from the United States government.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his discontent with the conviction, stating he was “very unhappy” with the outcome. Trump praised Bolsonaro as “outstanding” and criticized the trial as a “witch hunt.” Bolsonaro, who has denied any wrongdoing, did not personally attend the court proceedings but was represented by his lawyers.
The trial attracted significant attention in a polarized Brazil, with some citizens supporting the legal process against the former president while others backing Bolsonaro. Street demonstrations in favor of the far-right leader underscored the divided opinions in the country.
Accusations against Bolsonaro included efforts to unlawfully retain power following his electoral loss to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022. Prosecutors brought forward five charges against Bolsonaro, including involvement in a coup, association with a criminal group, and threats to democratic institutions.
Despite his legal troubles, Bolsonaro maintains substantial political influence in Brazil. He had previously been barred from running for office until 2030 in a separate case. It is anticipated that Bolsonaro will designate a successor who may challenge President Lula da Silva in the upcoming elections.
The court’s decision could lead Bolsonaro’s political allies to pursue legislative measures seeking amnesty for him. The aftermath of the trial is likely to have lasting implications on Brazil’s political landscape.
