Brazil’s Former President Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Coup Plot

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after his 2022 election loss, with the ruling highlighting that even former leaders are not above the law.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after a Supreme Court panel found him guilty of orchestrating a coup to remain in power following his 2022 election defeat.

Four of the five justices concluded that Bolsonaro participated in an armed criminal organisation, attempted to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions, and caused significant damage to government property during the violent attacks on public buildings on 8 January 2023. Prosecutors further alleged that the plot included plans to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest, has denied any wrongdoing, and his legal team has indicated it will lodge an appeal against the verdict.

The ruling has sparked international attention, with reactions from the United States drawing particular scrutiny. US President Donald Trump described the decision as “very surprising,” while Senator Marco Rubio labelled it “unfair,” underscoring the global interest in Brazil’s judicial processes and the message it sends regarding accountability.

This landmark verdict marks one of the most significant legal decisions in Brazil’s recent history, emphasising that even former heads of state are not above the law. Analysts have noted that the case will be remembered as a crucial test for Brazilian democracy, coming in the wake of Bolsonaro’s contested election loss and the ensuing unrest.