Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup after his 2022 election defeat, making him the first former president in the country’s history to be found guilty of such a crime. Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison for leading a “criminal organization” that sought to “annihilate” Brazil’s democracy.
The court found that Bolsonaro had attempted to overturn the election results through various means, including organizing protests, making unfounded claims of voter fraud, and even discussing the possibility of a military intervention. The conviction is a significant blow to Bolsonaro, who had remained a powerful political figure in Brazil despite his 2022 loss.
The verdict also serves as a warning to other leaders who may be tempted to undermine democratic institutions. The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for Brazil’s political landscape and the future of its fragile democracy.