Brazil's Supreme Court Convicts Former President Bolsonaro in Coup Case
Brazil's Supreme Court has reached a majority vote to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat. The far-right leader was found guilty of leading a "criminal organization" to overthrow the government of his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. With the conviction all but certain, Bolsonaro faces a potential prison sentence of over 40 years. He has maintained that the trial is a form of political persecution.
Unpacked:
Bolsonaro was convicted for his involvement in organizing efforts to overturn the 2022 election results, including inciting supporters who stormed government buildings on January 8, 2023, after refusing to formally concede defeat to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison. While this is a lengthy sentence, his lawyers have the right to file appeals to challenge the ruling, which could affect how long he actually serves.
Former U.S. President Trump publicly protested the conviction, comparing it to prosecutions he faced, and threatened economic retaliation against Brazil. Broader international responses have not yet been widely reported.
Bolsonaro and his supporters claim the trial is an act of political persecution, denying any wrongdoing and framing the Supreme Court’s actions as biased and intended to suppress opposition.