Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Coup Plot in Landmark Ruling

Lead Former President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced today in Brasília to 27 years and three months in prison after Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted him of orchestrating a coup to cling to power following his 2022 election loss.

Nut Graf This unprecedented ruling marks the first time in Brazilian history that a former president has been convicted for attacking democracy. The decision underscores the judiciary’s resolve to hold high-ranking officials accountable and deepens the nation’s political divide.

Ruling and Charges

A five-justice panel unanimously found Bolsonaro guilty on five counts, including leading an armed criminal organization and attempting to dismantle democratic institutions.
At age 70, Bolsonaro becomes the first ex-head of state in Brazil to face imprisonment for undermining the rule of law.

International and Domestic Reactions

Donald Trump, Bolsonaro’s staunch ally, decried the verdict as “a terrible thing” and threatened further U.S. sanctions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the conviction “unjust” and warned the United States would “react accordingly,” prompting Brazil’s Foreign Ministry to condemn his comments as an attack on sovereignty.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva affirmed confidence in Brazil’s institutions and brushed off potential U.S. reprisals.

Next Steps

Bolsonaro remains under house arrest as his defense team prepares appeals, seeking to commute the sentence or request continued house detention.
He is barred from running for public office until 2030, complicating any bid for a 2026 presidential comeback.

Political Fallout

The ruling is expected to energize both Bolsonaro’s supporters, who view the trial as political persecution, and his opponents, who see it as a safeguard for democracy. As Brazil approaches the 2026 election, the verdict is poised to shape party strategies and public sentiment for years to come.