Brazil has entered a historic and turbulent moment after the Supreme Court convicted Jair Bolsonaro of a coup attempt and sentenced him to 27 years and three months in prison. The ruling, delivered Thursday, marks the first time in the country’s history that a former president has been sentenced for trying to overturn democracy.
What the Court Decided
Four of the five justices on the review panel found Bolsonaro guilty on five counts, including:
- Attempting a coup after his 2022 defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
- Participation in an armed criminal organization.
- Attempted violent abolition of democratic rule.
- Damage to property through violence.
- Deterioration of state-protected heritage.
Chief Justice Luís Roberto Barroso described the trial as “a watershed moment in Brazil’s history,” emphasizing that no leader stands above the constitution.
Reactions Inside Brazil
The sentencing divided Brazilians. Supporters of the ruling gathered in bars and public squares, celebrating what they saw as a triumph for democracy. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro loyalists cried outside his residence in Brasília, where he remains under house arrest.
Justice Cármen Lúcia said the evidence proved Bolsonaro was “the instigator, the leader of an organization that orchestrated every possible move to maintain or seize power.”
Opponents view the sentence as long-overdue accountability. Allies, however, call it political persecution. Bolsonaro’s son Flávio labeled it “supreme persecution” and vowed history would absolve his father.
U.S. Government Criticism
The conviction triggered backlash from Washington.
- Donald Trump, now president again, said he was “very unhappy” with the decision and called Bolsonaro an “outstanding leader.”
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the ruling a “witch hunt,” warning the U.S. would “respond accordingly.”
The Trump administration had already imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, linking them to the proceedings. Observers warn relations between Brasília and Washington could deteriorate further.
Co-Conspirators Sentenced
Bolsonaro’s allies also received heavy prison terms:
- Gen. Braga Netto: 26 years.
- Admiral Almir Garnier: 24 years.
- Gen. Augusto Heleno: 21 years.
- Gen. Paulo Sérgio Nogueira: 19 years.
- Lt. Col. Mauro Cid (who cooperated): 2 years.
Analysts note this is the first time Brazil has punished former military leaders for plotting against an elected government since the 1980s.
Appeal Still Possible
Although sentenced, Bolsonaro will not immediately go to prison. His lawyers have five days after the ruling is published to file appeals with the full Supreme Court of 11 justices. Legal experts say chances of overturning the verdict are slim but not impossible.
Rafael Mafei, a law professor at the University of São Paulo, noted: “Defenses should appeal, but the odds of reversal are very low.”
Political Fallout
Despite his conviction and a prior ban preventing him from running for office until 2030, Bolsonaro remains a powerful political figure. His allies in Congress may push for an amnesty, although the Workers’ Party vows to block it.
Former government minister Thomas Traumann called the day “the most important for Brazil’s democracy since the 1988 constitution.”
Bolsonaro may now have to choose a political heir to challenge Lula in the 2026 elections.
What’s Next for Brazil
The Bolsonaro coup attempt case has left Brazil deeply divided, exposing rifts between left and right, civilians and military, and even straining ties with the United States. The next 60 days will be crucial as the Supreme Court finalizes the ruling and Bolsonaro’s defense pursues appeals.
Observers agree this case will shape Brazil’s democracy for years to come, either reinforcing accountability or deepening political polarization.
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