Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Found Guilty of Coup Attempt. Sentenced to 27 Years and 3 Months. His Supporters Are Protesting, and the United States Has Also Expressed Displeasure.
Brazil News: Brazil's Supreme Court has found former President Jair Bolsonaro guilty of attempting a coup, sentencing him to 27 years and 3 months. The court held him responsible for leading an organized crime and anti-democratic conspiracy. This verdict has sent shockwaves through Brazilian politics and brought the country's long-standing political controversy to a new turning point.
Effort to Remain in Power After Election Defeat
The Supreme Court's decision stated that Bolsonaro made every possible effort to retain power after his defeat in the 2022 elections. A bench of 5 judges, by a majority of 4 judges, found him guilty of five offenses. This marks the first time in Brazilian history that a former president has been convicted of attempting a coup.
Sentencing and Right to Appeal
Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest in Brasilia. He has consistently denied these accusations. After pronouncing the sentence, the court indicated that the publication of the verdict would take 60 days. Following this, his lawyers can file an application for clarification within 5 days.
What the Court Said While Pronouncing the Sentence
Supreme Court Justice Carmen Lúcia stated that the evidence clearly shows Bolsonaro led an organized gang to seize power. Justice Alexandre de Moraes also remarked that Bolsonaro was the ringleader of the coup conspiracy and the criminal organization. During the hearing, several video footages from 2021 to 2023 were presented, showing Bolsonaro speaking to thousands of supporters about leaving the Supreme Court. Footage of the vandalism at the Supreme Court headquarters on January 8, 2023, was also presented.
Serious Allegations Against the Former President
Prosecutors leveled several serious charges against Bolsonaro, including attempting a coup, being part of an armed criminal organization, attempting to dismantle the democratic system through violence, and damaging public property. Current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that Bolsonaro attempted a coup in the country and that ample evidence exists to support this.
However, Justice Fux disagreed with this verdict. He argued that one cannot be punished simply for thinking. He stated that a coup requires an organized group, resources, and strategy, which were not proven in this case.
Supporters' Reaction
Bolsonaro's eldest son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, described the verdict as "supreme injustice." He wrote on the social media platform X that history will show they were right. His younger son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, called for a presidential pardon for his father through Parliament. Former First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro wrote on social media that God sees everything and hates injustice.
This verdict has proven to be divisive for the public in Brazil. Some people are supporting the action against Bolsonaro, while his supporters are calling it political persecution. Many supporters have also protested on the streets in his favor.
American Displeasure
American President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure with the verdict. He stated that Bolsonaro is a great person and that this verdict is very bad for Brazil. Trump had previously called Bolsonaro's trial a "political witch hunt." Additionally, he had threatened a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil.
