MWE Correspondent
Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison after convicting him of orchestrating a coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat. This historic ruling marks the first time a former Brazilian president has been found guilty of undermining the country’s democracy.
A five-judge panel convicted Bolsonaro on multiple charges, including leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to abolish democratic rule violently, plotting to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and damaging public property. Four of the five justices voted for conviction, while one dissented. Justice Carmen Lucia, pivotal in securing the majority, described Bolsonaro as the “leader of a group that meticulously planned every possible action to remain in power.”
The case traces back to the aftermath of the 2022 Brazilian presidential election, when Bolsonaro and his allies allegedly conspired to overturn the election results. This culminated in the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings in Brasília by Bolsonaro supporters. The verdict underscores Brazil’s commitment to holding former leaders accountable for actions threatening democratic institutions.
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Bolsonaro, who has consistently denied all charges, remains under house arrest. His legal team has indicated plans to appeal the ruling, which includes a ban from holding public office until 2030 and prevents him from running for office for eight years after serving his sentence.
The decision has provoked international reactions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disapproval, labeling the conviction a “witch hunt,” while Brazilian officials defended the court’s decision as a necessary step to preserve democracy.
Legal analysts note that the ruling is a defining moment for Brazil, signaling a strengthened commitment to the rule of law and accountability at the highest levels of government.
