Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president has in a landmark ruling by the country’s Supreme Court sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for his role in plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election.
The conviction marks a significant blow to the populist far-right movement led by Bolsonaro, who has been a polarizing figure in Brazilian politics.
The Supreme Court’s decision came after a panel of five justices voted to convict Bolsonaro on charges related to an attempted military coup.
Four out of the five justices found Jair Bolsonaro guilty of trying to illegally retain power after his defeat to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election.
Justice Carmen Lucia emphasized that there was ample evidence demonstrating Bolsonaro’s intent to erode democracy and institutions.
The sentencing has sparked widespread reactions, with Bolsonaro’s supporters voicing their discontent and denouncing the verdict as politically motivated.
About 40,000 supporters took to the streets of Brasilia over the weekend, supporting Bolsonaro’s claim that he is being targeted. On the other hand, Bolsonaro’s critics see the verdict as a crucial step in protecting Brazil’s democracy.
The sentencing was unexpected, and Bolsonaro’s lawyers still have some legal wiggle room to challenge the ruling. “It’s extremely significant and also a surprise,” she said, adding that the supporters of Bolsonaro in Congress have already submitted an amnesty law to potentially get him off the hook.
The United States government, particularly President Donald Trump, has been vocal in its criticism of the trial, labeling it a “witch-hunt.”
Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports, imposed sanctions against the presiding judge, Alexandre de Moraes, and revoked visas for most members of Brazil’s high court.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating that the US would “respond accordingly to this witch-hunt.”
Despite the conviction, Jair Bolsonaro maintains a solid political base within Brazil. However, his future in politics looks uncertain, especially given the ban on him running for office until 2030 due to spreading unfounded claims about Brazil’s electronic voting system.
Bolsonaro has expressed his intention to run for president in 2026, but this may be challenging given the recent conviction.
The Supreme Court’s decision also convicted seven co-conspirators, including former defense minister Walter Braga Netto and Bolsonaro’s former aide-de-camp Mauro Cid.
These convictions underscore the court’s commitment to holding those involved in the coup plot accountable.
The conviction of Jair Bolsonaro represents a significant moment for Brazilian democracy. As Justice Carmen Lucia noted, “this criminal case is almost a meeting between Brazil and its past, its present and its future,” referring to the nation’s turbulent history of military rule and repeated assaults on democratic governance.
The ruling sends a clear message that attempts to undermine democracy will not be tolerated.
In the words of Carlos Fico, a historian who studies Brazil’s military, “the trial is a wake-up call for the armed forces… They must be realising that something has changed, given that there was never any punishment before, and now there is.”
This historic ruling will likely have far-reaching implications for Brazil’s politics and its democratic institutions.
Jair Bolsonaro’s rise to power was fueled by his defense of Brazil’s two-decade military dictatorship and his antiestablishment anger.
As a former army captain and paratrooper, Bolsonaro never hid his admiration for the military regime, which killed hundreds of Brazilians from 1964 to 1985.
In one interview, he infamously said that Brazil would only change “on the day that we break out in civil war here and do the job that the military regime didn’t do: killing 30,000.” This rhetoric resonated with some Brazilians but also raised concerns about his commitment to democracy.
The recent conviction and sentencing of Bolsonaro mark a crucial chapter in Brazil’s ongoing struggle to protect its democratic institutions.
As the country’s highest court, the Supreme Court’s decision sets a significant precedent in holding leaders accountable for their actions. The international community will be watching closely as Brazil navigates this complex and potentially volatile situation.
Meanwhile, United States President, Donald Trump’s reaction to Jair Bolsonaro’s sentencing has indeed sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential consequences for Brazil-US relations. Let’s break it down.
Trump described Bolsonaro’s trial as a “witch hunt” and claimed it was an “international disgrace,” echoing Bolsonaro’s own claims of political persecution.
He had earlier imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports to the US, citing the charges against Bolsonaro as part of the reason.
Trump have also sanctioned Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of suppressing freedom of expression and politicizing prosecutions. His next line of action after the sentencing remain unknown.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry condemned the comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that Brazil’s democracy would not be intimidated by foreign interference.
President Lula’s government has urged calm and respect for the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of defending democratic institutions. Some lawmakers in Brazil are considering an amnesty bill to pardon those convicted over the January 8 riots, including Bolsonaro, but the Supreme Court has already declared such a move unconstitutional.
The conviction of Bolsonaro and Trump’s reaction have strained ties between Brasília and Washington, with potential economic and diplomatic consequences.
Observers warn that Trump’s actions could worsen relations between the two countries, particularly given the recent deployment of US naval forces to the Caribbean.
The tariffs imposed by Trump have already sparked criticism from Brazil, with some lawmakers accusing the US of attempting to interfere with Brazil’s sovereignty.
The conviction of Bolsonaro represents a significant victory for democratic institutions in Brazil, demonstrating the judiciary’s independence despite immense international pressure.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions from authoritarian threats. The ruling sends a clear message that attempts to undermine democracy will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.