Brazil’s Former President Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced

The Brazilian Supreme Court has handed down a sentence of 27 years and three months in prison to former President Jair Bolsonaro for trying to extend his time in office unfairly.

A ruling was made on Thursday, where four out of five justices found Bolsonaro guilty on all five charges against him:

• Attempting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
• Being part of an armed conspiracy aimed at executing this coup.
• Trying to dismantle democratic laws.
• Engaging in violent activities targeting state institutions.
• Damaging public property when his supporters vandalized government buildings on January 8, 2023.

Prosecutors claim that the plan to cling to power included assassination attempts on Lula da Silva.

Despite the verdict, Bolsonaro continues to assert that he did nothing wrong.

Several of his co-conspirators have also received prison sentences. For example, General Braga Netto, who was Bolsonaro’s running mate in 2022, was given 26 years. Other notable figures received sentences of 24, 21, and 19 years respectively.

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling, calling Bolsonaro an outstanding individual and politician. Following the conviction, a 50% tariff was imposed on Brazilian imports by the Trump administration, reportedly in response to Bolsonaro’s sentencing.

Secretary Marco Rubio tweeted about the legal decision, citing it as a politically motivated act against Bolsonaro.

Importantly, Bolsonaro won’t be going to prison immediately. There’s a 60-day window for the court to finalize its ruling, during which his team can file appeals—something they have confirmed they will do.

Rafael Mafei, a law professor, commented that it’s improbable but not impossible for appeals to prevail.

Judge Carmen Lúcia stated that Bolsonaro was essentially the leader orchestrating efforts to maintain or acquire power.

Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the former president’s son, labeled the ruling as an act of supreme persecution on social media.

Political analyst Thomas Traumann reflected that this ruling represents a pivotal moment for Brazil’s democracy, marking the first time a former president and high-ranking officials face punishment for trying to obstruct an elected government.

Lula, in an interview, mentioned that there is substantial evidence against Bolsonaro for attempting a coup.

In a previous judgment, Bolsonaro was also barred from running for office until 2030.

Former first lady Michelle Bolsonaro shared on social media, emphasizing the presence of divine justice.