Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro Sentenced To 27 Years For Coup Plot
Caption: H. E former Brazil president Hair Bolsonaro
Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted of attempting a coup and leading an armed criminal group after losing the 2022 election, culminating in his supporters’ violent attack on government buildings in January 2023. Four out of five Supreme Court justices voted to convict him, handing him a 27-year sentence that critics say is effectively a life term for the 70-year-old.
Bolsonaro’s trial has sharply divided Brazil. For years, he has been a polarizing figure, adored by his base and despised by his opponents. His allies, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have denounced the proceedings as political persecution. Trump used the ruling to impose 50% tariffs on Brazil, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Washington would “respond accordingly.” Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo has also lobbied in the U.S., predicting further sanctions against Brazil.
Meanwhile, critics of the former president hailed the trial as essential to protect democracy. They argue that Bolsonaro’s conviction sends a powerful message: undermining democratic institutions will not be tolerated. The case was closely watched across the country, with millions following proceedings live on TV and social media, turning it into a dramatic national spectacle.
Evidence presented in court shocked many. Judges heard about a coup plan drafted by Bolsonaro’s allies that suggested assassinating President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, his running mate, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes—using poison as one option. The court also reviewed Bolsonaro’s repeated attempts to discredit Brazil’s electronic voting system, including a high-profile meeting with foreign ambassadors where he spread false claims.
For Brazil, the case also carried echoes of its past. Democracy was restored only in 1985 after two decades of dictatorship, and Justice de Moraes warned that the country nearly slid back into authoritarian rule because “a criminal organisation… doesn’t know how to lose elections.” Bolsonaro’s conviction marks the first time in Brazilian history that a former leader has been held accountable for plotting a coup, breaking with a tradition of amnesty for past coup plotters.
What happens next remains uncertain. Bolsonaro did not appear in court, citing health problems, and is already under house arrest. His lawyers are expected to appeal and may seek to reduce his sentence to home confinement, given his age and condition. At the same time, Bolsonaro’s allies in Congress are pushing legislation that could grant him amnesty, and right-wing presidential hopefuls have pledged to pardon him if they win power. While the ruling is historic, the ultimate punishment Bolsonaro will face is still unclear.
VIA BBC.
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FELIX MAKONA
An editor at Signs Tv
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT. WELL DRAWN INSIGHTS ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY . THIS IS RANGING FROM PARALYMPICS, BALL GAMES, ATHLETICS, RUGBY, TENNIS, GOLF, RACING AND SAFARI RALLY
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