Bolsonaro Convicted of Attempting Coup to Remain in Office
BRASÍLIA, Brazil – A majority of justices on a panel of brazil’s Supreme court convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday of attempting a coup to remain in office following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The ruling is expected to deepen political divisions within Brazil and perhaps strain relations with the United States.
Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, was found guilty on five counts by three members of a five-justice panel. The decision stems from allegations that Bolsonaro actively worked to overturn the results of the 2022 election, despite losing to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The latest justice to rule, Cármen Lúcia, delivered her verdict on Thursday, following a dissenting vote by justice Luiz Fux who voted to acquit Bolsonaro of all charges the previous day. One justice’s vote remains outstanding.
Once all five justices have voted, the panel will determine Bolsonaro’s sentence, which could potentially result in decades in prison. The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest, ordered by justice Alexandre de Moraes on august 5th for violating a ban on political messaging.
Bolsonaro’s legal team announced plans to appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Court,comprised of 11 justices. Bolsonaro, who maintains his innocence, did not attend the court hearing in person, opting to be represented by his lawyers.
The trial has ignited strong reactions across brazilian society, with supporters and opponents of Bolsonaro taking to the streets. The case has also drawn international attention, including commentary from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has characterized Bolsonaro’s legal proceedings as ”a witch hunt.”
The trial received renewed scrutiny after Trump suggested a 50% tariff on imported Brazilian goods could be linked to the outcome of Bolsonaro’s case. Observers anticipate potential sanctions from Washington following the trial, further complicating the already delicate diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Justice de Moraes, overseeing the case, stated on Tuesday that bolsonaro was the leader of a coup plot and a criminal association.
Despite the conviction, Bolsonaro remains a notable political force in Brazil. He has already been barred from running for office until 2030 in a separate case and is expected to endorse a candidate to challenge President Lula da silva in the next election. The ruling may also prompt Bolsonaro’s allies in Congress, including his three lawmaker sons, to pursue amnesty for him.
Additional sources: AP
