Bolsonaro Sentenced to Over 27 Years for Plotting Coup After 2022 Defeat

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has found former President Jair Bolsonaro guilty of attempting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 presidential election.


A panel of five justices convicted him on multiple charges, including leading an armed criminal organisation, attempting to violently abolish democracy, and damage to public property and heritage.


Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison. The verdict marks a historic moment: he is the first former president in Brazil’s history to be convicted for actions against the democratic order. A majority of four out of the five judges ruled him guilty. Justice Luiz Fux dissented, arguing lack of sufficient proof and jurisdiction issues.


The evidence presented included documents, digital files, and testimony alleging Bolsonaro had planned to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, had attempted to recruit military leaders, and conspired with others close to him to overturn the election outcome.


Co-defendants including military officials and members of his inner circle were also convicted and handed prison terms ranging from a few years to more than two decades.


Bolsonaro, who denies all wrongdoing, is currently under house arrest. He is expected to appeal the ruling to Brazil’s full Supreme Court. The ruling has sharply divided public opinion in Brazil and drawn strong international attention, with some allies condemning the verdict, calling it politically motivated.

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