In a historic ruling on Thursday, Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after being convicted of plotting a coup to stay in power following his defeat in the 2022 election.
The decision by a five-justice panel of Brazil's Supreme Court marks the first time a former head of state in the country has been found guilty of attacking democratic institutions. Four of the five judges agreed on the sentence, while one dissented.
The court convicted Bolsonaro of five crimes:
- Participation in an armed criminal organization
- Attempting to violently abolish democracy
- Organizing a coup
- Damaging government property
- Damaging protected cultural assets
Justice Carmen Lucia emphasized the gravity of the case, calling it a meeting between Brazil's past, present and future and noting that evidence showed Bolsonaro acted with the purpose of eroding democracy and institutions.
Currently under house arrest, Bolsonaro remains barred from public office but has vowed to run in the October 2026 presidential election despite the conviction.
The U.S. reaction drew from former President Donald Trump, who described the case as a witch hunt, imposed tariff hikes, sanctioned the presiding judge and revoked visas for several justices on Brazil's high court.
In a rare dissent, Justice Luiz Fux argued the court lacked jurisdiction to try the former president and voted to acquit on all charges, a decision that could open the door to appeals and extend the legal battle closer to the next election.
Supporters and critics alike are watching closely as Brazil grapples with the fallout of this unprecedented verdict. With 2026 on the horizon, the ruling could reshape the country's political landscape and spark wider conversations about accountability and democratic resilience worldwide.
As Brazil and the world digest this landmark judgment, questions remain about how young leaders, activists and voters will respond to a verdict that tests the strength of democratic norms in one of Latin America's biggest economies.
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Brazil's Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years over coup-plot conviction
cgtn.com
