Supreme Court Panel Convicts Bolsonaro of Coup Plot

BRASÍLIA, Sept. 11, 2025 - A five-justice panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court voted 3-1, with one justice yet to cast a ballot, to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro of orchestrating a coup to remain in power after his 2022 election defeat.

Nut Graf The landmark ruling-Brazil’s first conviction of an ex-president for undermining democracy-shakes the nation’s political foundations and intensifies deep divisions over Bolsonaro’s legacy and potential return in 2026.

Panel Votes and Charges

• Three justices found Bolsonaro guilty on all five counts, including plotting a coup, leading an armed criminal organization and attempting to dismantle democratic governance.
• Justice Luiz Fux dissented, voting to acquit and arguing the court lacked jurisdiction. One vote remains pending.

Historic First and Potential Sentence

Bolsonaro, 70, faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, once the final panel member votes.

Supporters Rally, Critics Cheer

Bolsonaro’s allies have taken to the streets to demand amnesty and decry the trial as politically motivated. Conversely, opponents celebrated what they see as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law.

House Arrest and Appeals

Under house arrest since August for defying a ban on political messaging, Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing and announced plans to appeal to the full 11-justice court.

International Repercussions

The verdict could further strain relations with the United States, where former President Donald Trump has denounced the proceedings as a “witch hunt” and threatened tariffs on Brazilian goods.