Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022.
Four of the five judges on the panel found Bolsonaro guilty on all charges, while one favored acquittal. The 70-year-old former leader, who served from 2019 to 2022, is currently under house arrest in Brasília. Seven others, including former ministers and military officials, were also convicted.
Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing, claiming he is a victim of political persecution. His legal team plans to appeal to the full Supreme Court, though experts say the chances of overturning the verdict are slim due to the panel’s strong majority decision.
The charges include leading a coup attempt, participating in an armed criminal organization, and attempting to violently undermine democracy. The trial has deeply divided Brazilian society, with supporters calling the case politically motivated, while others see the ruling as a demonstration of Brazil’s commitment to democratic institutions.
The verdict marks the first time in Brazil’s history that a former president has been convicted for trying to disrupt a democratic transition. Bolsonaro is barred from holding office until 2030, but remains a prominent political figure, and his allies may pursue amnesty through Congress.
Internationally, the ruling has drawn attention. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the conviction as a “witch hunt” and warned of potential consequences, while observers emphasize the decision as a milestone for Brazil’s democracy.
