Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Coup Plot in Brazil

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after being convicted of plotting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 election loss. The ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Court marks the first time in the nation’s history that a former president has been convicted for attacking democracy.

Four of five justices found Bolsonaro guilty of crimes including participating in a criminal organization, attempting to abolish democracy, organizing a coup, and damaging government property. Justice Carmen Lucia noted Bolsonaro acted with the intent to erode democratic institutions. The lone dissent came from Justice Luiz Fux, who questioned the court’s jurisdiction.

Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest, has vowed to appeal. His lawyers condemned the sentence as “absurdly excessive.” The ruling also convicted seven allies, including military officers, marking a historic moment as Brazil punished the armed forces for coup attempts for the first time.

The conviction has sparked international controversy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a close Bolsonaro ally, denounced the case as a “witch hunt” and imposed tariffs, sanctions, and visa revocations on Brazil’s judiciary. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the ruling unjust, while Brazil’s government rejected the remarks as interference. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated he is not concerned about potential U.S. sanctions.

Bolsonaro’s fall is dramatic given his rise from a fringe congressman to a far-right leader who capitalized on anti-establishment anger during Brazil’s corruption scandals. His presidency was marked by skepticism of vaccines, deforestation in the Amazon, and challenges to election integrity.

Although barred from running until 2030, Bolsonaro insists he will seek office in 2026. His conviction underscores Brazil’s judiciary’s aggressive stance to safeguard democracy against authoritarian threats.