Bolsonaro Convicted in Attempted Coup Case
BrazilS Supreme Court swiftly moved to finalize judgment in a case concerning former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven others, declaring them guilty of crimes against democracy. The decision followed a hearing where four judges voted to convict, with one dissenting. The court had originally planned to issue sentences this Friday but expedited the process after the conclusion of the hearing.
The court found Bolsonaro responsible for actions constituting an attempt to undermine the democratic state of law,including coup d’état attempts,criminal organization involvement,damage to protected heritage,and qualified damage. Judge Rapporteur highlighted that the prosecution presented Bolsonaro as the “leader” of a “criminal organization” that conspired to prevent the inauguration of current President Luiz inácio Lula da Silva after his october 2022 election victory.
Bolsonaro’s defense team announced plans to appeal the decision, stating they will pursue legal challenges “even internationally.” Lawyers Celso Vilardi and Paulo da Cunha Bueno described the potential penalties as “absurdly excessive and disproportionate,” and indicated they will analyze the full sentence before formally submitting an appeal.
The ruling has drawn international reaction. The U.S. State Department, via Secretary of State Antony Blinken on X (formerly Twitter), criticized the decision as a “witch hunt” and stated the united States “will respond accordingly,” referencing existing tariffs imposed on Brazil. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented, stating he “met him as president of Brazil. He was a good man,” and drawing parallels to his own past legal challenges.
The conviction stems from a conspiracy that prosecutors allege began in June 2021, as Lula da Silva began to gain traction in pre-election polls. The plot unfolded in stages, initially involving a sustained campaign to discredit Brazil’s institutions and electoral system, spearheaded by Bolsonaro.
Following Lula’s victory in October 2022, the conspiracy escalated into protests, attempted attacks thwarted by police, and the establishment of camps outside military barracks where supporters demanded the army intervene to prevent Lula’s inauguration. On January 1, 2023, Lula assumed office, and a week later, supporters violently attacked and vandalized the Presidential Palace, Parliament, and the Supreme Court.
prosecutors argue this assault was the culmination of a coup plot “led” and directed by Bolsonaro, with the goal of remaining in power and establishing a dictatorship. The eight individuals convicted face consequences for their roles in this alleged conspiracy.
