Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.
The court’s decision was made by a 4-1 majority vote, with the justices finding him guilty of attempting to undermine democracy and steer the country back toward authoritarian rule.
Bolsonaro, 70, was sentenced to 27 years imprisonment for his role in the plot. The court’s ruling also convicted seven of his allies, including five military officers.
The former president’s conviction marked the first time a former Brazilian head of state has been found guilty of attempting to overthrow the government.
The case against Bolsonaro centered around allegations that he attempted to co-opt military support for a potential intervention against the electoral results and authored a draft decree to arrest a Supreme Court justice and annul the election results.
Prosecutors argued that Bolsonaro’s actions were a coordinated attack on Brazil’s democratic institutions.
U.S. President, Donald Trump described Bolsonaro’s conviction as “very surprising” and had previously imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods, citing a “witch hunt” against his ally.
Trump also sanctioned the presiding judge and revoked visas for most of the high court justices.
The conviction of Bolsonaro is seen as a significant test for Brazil’s democracy and its ability to hold leaders accountable for attempts to undermine the rule of law.
The case has strained relations between the U.S. and Brazil, with potential implications for diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Bolsonaro’s lawyers have announced plans to appeal the verdict, which could potentially delay his imprisonment.
The case’s outcome may also impact Brazil’s 2026 presidential election, in which Bolsonaro has expressed interest in running despite being barred from public office until 2030.
