Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Coup Attempt
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years adn three months in prison for attempting a coup d’état following his 2022 election loss. The decision, delivered by the Supreme Court on Thursday evening, marks a historic moment for the country, which has a long history of military coups but has never before seen a former president convicted in this manner.
The verdict came after votes from five judges. Earlier in the week, two judges signaled support for a conviction, while one voted for acquittal. Judge Carmen Lucia’s vote on Thursday secured a majority, precipitating the sentence.
Prosecutors accused Bolsonaro, 70, of orchestrating a thorough plan to remain in power, including efforts to undermine the election results, grant expanded powers to the military, and weaken the judicial system. The charges also included allegations of a plot to murder his successor, President Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro has denied all accusations and was under house arrest during the trial, remaining absent from court proceedings.
“This is a historic day in Brazil,” stated Tigran Feiler, SVT’s Latin American correspondent, in an interview with Current. “It is a country that has a long history of military coups, but never before has a former president been convicted in this way and it will have major consequences.”
Feiler also noted the divided reaction within Brazil, saying, “The message will both be celebrated and mourned by the country’s residents. There is also a concern among many Brazilians that I have talked to in the capital. You remember the violent scenes after Bolsonaro’s election loss and some ask themselves what can happen now if he is to be put to prison.”
The conviction has drawn international reaction. US President Donald Trump expressed his “very dissatisfied” sentiment, while US Senator Marco Rubio labeled the proceedings a “witch hunt.”
