Bolsonaro Convicted of couplotting, Marking Historic Blow to Brazilian Democracy
BRASILIA – In a landmark decision with far-reaching implications, Brazil‘s supreme Court on Thursday convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of attempting a coup to overturn the results of the 2022 election. The ruling marks the frist time a former Brazilian president has been found guilty of attacking the country’s democratic institutions, delivering a notable setback to the far-right movement Bolsonaro spearheaded.
The 4-1 decision by the five-justice panel found bolsonaro guilty of five crimes: participation in a criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish democracy, organizing a coup, damaging government property, and harming protected cultural assets. Justice Carmen Lucia, before casting her vote, powerfully stated the case represented “almost a meeting between Brazil and its past, its present and its future,” referencing the nation’s troubled history of military coups and anti-democratic actions. She emphasized the court found ”ample evidence” Bolsonaro acted “with the purpose of eroding democracy and institutions.”
The conviction centers on Bolsonaro’s actions following his defeat to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Evidence presented to the court detailed efforts to undermine the electoral process and potentially seize power illegally.Bolsonaro, a former army captain with a known affinity for Brazil’s 1964-1985 military dictatorship – a period marked by widespread human rights abuses - has consistently questioned the legitimacy of the election results.
This verdict arrives amidst a global trend of legal challenges facing far-right leaders, following recent condemnations of figures like Marine Le Pen in France and Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines.
However, the fallout is already extending beyond Brazil’s borders. The decision has ignited a furious response from former U.S. President Donald trump, a close ally of Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly dismissed the case as a “witch hunt.” In a swift retaliatory move, Trump has already imposed new tariffs on Brazilian goods, announced sanctions against the presiding judge, and revoked visas for a majority of the Supreme Court justices, as reported by Channel NewsAsia. Trump expressed surprise at the conviction on Thursday.
Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest, now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 40 years. The justices are expected to determine the specifics of his sentencing and confinement by Friday.
Despite the conviction, the case may not be fully settled.Justice Luiz Fux dissented, acquitting Bolsonaro on all charges and questioning the court’s jurisdiction. This dissenting opinion could provide grounds for appeals, potentially delaying a final resolution until closer to the October 2026 presidential election – an election bolsonaro has indicated he intends to contest despite being barred from holding office.
Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, speaking from the United States, anticipates further escalation from Trump, potentially including additional sanctions against Brazil and its judicial officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, labeling the court’s decision “unjust” and promising a response from the United States.
Keywords: Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil, Supreme Court, Coup Attempt, Democracy, Donald Trump, Tariffs, Sanctions, Lula da Silva, Election, political Crisis, South America, Justice Carmen Lucia, Luiz Fux.
