A group of Brazilian Supreme Court judges has sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for his involvement in an attempted coup to stay in power following his defeat in the 2022 election. Bolsonaro, a far-right politician who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, was found guilty on five charges by four out of five justices on the panel. The most recent justices to deliver their verdict were Cármen Lúcia and Cristiano Zanin, in contrast to a previous ruling by Justice Luiz Fux who favored acquittal.
Bolsonaro is currently serving house arrest in Brasilia, with his legal team indicating plans to appeal the decision to the full 11-member Supreme Court. The conviction is expected to deepen political divisions and may provoke a response from the United States government. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating his admiration for Bolsonaro prior to the sentencing.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, Bolsonaro did not personally attend the court proceedings, relying on his legal representatives. The trial drew significant attention in a polarized Brazil, with differing opinions on the case among the populace. Trump’s intervention in the matter, including imposing tariffs on Brazilian imports, labeling it a “witch hunt,” has further amplified the scrutiny on the trial.
The charges against Bolsonaro included allegations of attempting a coup, involvement in criminal activities, trying to disrupt democratic processes, and endangering state assets and heritage. While Bolsonaro’s son, lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, advocated for his father’s amnesty through legislative channels, highlighting the ongoing political influence of the former president.
Despite his legal obstacles, Bolsonaro retains significant political clout in Brazil, having been previously barred from running for office until 2030 in a separate case. The ruling is expected to mobilize Bolsonaro’s supporters and allies in pursuing avenues for his pardon through legislative means, as he strategizes to position a successor against current President Lula da Silva in the upcoming elections.
The outcome of the trial sets a precedent for the country’s political landscape and the future trajectory of Bolsonaro’s role in Brazilian governance.