Bolsonaro Sentenced to over 27 Years in Prison for Coup Attempt
brasília, Brazil – Former Brazilian President Jair bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by the Supreme Court for his role in the January 8, 2023, assault on government buildings in Brasília.The attack, carried out by supporters of the former president just a week after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s inauguration, targeted the presidential palace, the National Congress, and the Supreme Court itself.
The court unexpectedly accelerated the sentencing phase,moving forward immediately after concluding a hearing where,by a vote of four to one,Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants – including former ministers and military leaders – were found guilty. The initial ruling established that Bolsonaro was accused of leading a criminal organization aimed at illegally retaining power following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
Cristiano Zanin, the president of the First chamber and a former lawyer for Lula da Silva, delivered the decisive vote. He emphasized the overwhelming evidence demonstrating a deliberate attempt to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions.”The evidence allows us to conclude that the defendants intended to break the democratic state of law,” Zanin stated, solidifying the conviction. He further explained that prosecutors successfully demonstrated the existence of a “hierarchically structured” criminal organization focused on maintaining Bolsonaro’s presidency “whatever the criminal method to be used.”
Family Outcry and Allegations of Persecution
The verdict has sparked outrage from Bolsonaro’s family.Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, his son, vehemently denounced the decision, vowing to fight the conviction ”until the end.” He defended his father, claiming he “never made decisions outside the Constitution” and accusing the judges of exhibiting inappropriate “happiness” during the sentencing.
Both Flávio and his brother, federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, launched a coordinated social media campaign alleging a politically motivated “judicial persecution” and even claiming an attempt on their father’s life. Posts on their accounts declared, “Supreme persecution, they want to kill Bolsonaro.”
Dissenting Opinion Highlights Procedural Concerns
While the majority of the court found Bolsonaro guilty, Judge Luiz Fux issued a dissenting opinion, advocating for his complete acquittal and the cancellation of the entire proceedings. In a lengthy statement exceeding ten hours, Fux argued that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove Bolsonaro’s culpability “beyond any reasonable doubt.”
Fux asserted that Bolsonaro’s pre-election rhetoric discrediting the electoral system, while aggressive, did not constitute a ”subversive narrative” warranting criminal charges. He also raised concerns about the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that it lacked the authority to try an ex-president for crimes allegedly committed during his term in office, a claim he felt was not adequately proven. He further contended that Bolsonaro and the other defendants lacked the necessary “forum prerogative” for prosecution in this instance.
This sentencing marks a significant moment in Brazilian history, raising questions about accountability for the events of January 8th and the future of the country’s political landscape. The conviction is likely to be appealed, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle.
