BRASILIA, Brazil: Brazil's Supreme Court has delivered a historic verdict against former president Jair Bolsonaro, sentencing him to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating an alleged coup plot to remain in power after his 2022 election defeat. The ruling makes Bolsonaro the first former Brazilian leader convicted of attempting to overthrow the democratic order.
Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest in Brasília, has denied wrongdoing and promised to appeal. His defense team plans to challenge both the conviction and the sentence before the full Supreme Court, though legal experts say the chances of reversal are slim. "It's unlikely, but not impossible," said Rafael Mafei, a law professor at the University of São Paulo.
Four of the panel of five justices found him guilty on five counts: plotting a coup after losing to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, participating in an armed criminal organization, attempting the violent abolition of democracy, committing violent damage, and deterioration of protected public property.
Prosecutors alleged the conspiracy even included discussions of assassinating Lula. Four of the five justices voted to convict, describing Bolsonaro as the mastermind of the scheme. Justice Cármen Lúcia said he had led an organization that "orchestrated every possible move to maintain or seize power."
Several of Bolsonaro's closest allies were also convicted. Former defense minister and 2022 running mate Gen. Braga Netto was sentenced to 26 years, Admiral Almir Garnier to 24 years, Gen. Augusto Heleno to 21 years, and Gen. Paulo Sérgio Nogueira to 19 years. Bolsonaro's former aide-de-camp, Mauro Cid, who cooperated with investigators, received a reduced sentence of two years under an open regime.
Chief Justice Luís Roberto Barroso called the case a "watershed moment in Brazil's history," underscoring its significance for the country's institutions. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw the case, said Bolsonaro was both the leader of the coup attempt and of a criminal organization.
The verdict has sparked political turbulence at home and abroad. In the United States, President Donald Trump condemned the ruling as "very unfair," praising Bolsonaro as "outstanding." Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced it as a "witch hunt" and warned Washington would respond. The U.S. had already imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports during the trial, citing political persecution, and further sanctions are possible.
Reactions in Brazil remain divided. Supporters argue Bolsonaro is a victim of political persecution, with his son Flávio calling the conviction "supreme persecution" and Eduardo Bolsonaro pushing for a congressional amnesty. Opponents see the decision as long overdue for accountability.
The court must publish its ruling within 60 days, after which Bolsonaro's lawyers will have five days to appeal. Until then, Brazil remains sharply polarized, with its most divisive leader now branded a criminal by its highest court.
