Why was former Brazilian President Bolsonaro sentenced to over 27 years in prison?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to over 27 years in prison by the Supreme Federal Court. This article delves into the details of the conviction, the charges against him, and the political implications surrounding this historic ruling. A must-read for those following Brazilian politics!
Key Takeaways
- Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for coup attempt.
- Conviction by four justices of the Supreme Federal Court.
- Five charges against him include plotting a coup and damaging heritage sites.
- Bolsonaro currently under house arrest.
- He may appeal to the full Supreme Federal Court.
Brasilia, Sep 12 (NationPress) Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has received a sentence of 27 years and three months in prison following a decision by four out of five justices of the Supreme Federal Court who found him guilty of attempting a coup. According to a report from Xinhua news agency, justices Carmen Lucia and Cristiano Zanin were among those who voted for his conviction on Thursday.
Bolsonaro was convicted on five counts, which include plotting a coup d'état, attempting to violently abolish democratic governance, engaging in an armed criminal organization, causing aggravated damage, and harming historically significant heritage sites.
The case was initiated by the Supreme Federal Court on September 2, requiring a majority vote from the five-justice panel to reach a conviction.
During the trial, justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino found Bolsonaro guilty of the related charges, while Justice Luiz Fux voted for acquittal.
Currently, the 70-year-old former president is under house arrest and he retains the option to appeal the judgment to the full Supreme Federal Court, which consists of 11 justices.
Notably, Bolsonaro did not appear in person for this concluding phase of the trial. He has previously claimed that the proceedings are an effort to hinder his potential candidacy for the 2026 presidential election, despite already facing disqualification from public office on different grounds. He has labeled the trial a 'witch hunt'.
His sentiments have found resonance with former U.S. President, Donald Trump, who enacted 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods, characterizing them as a response to Bolsonaro's legal troubles.
In reaction to the verdict, Trump expressed surprise, likening the situation to his own experiences: 'That's very much like they tried to do with me. But they didn't get away with it at all.'
Point of View
It is essential to approach this matter with fairness and impartiality. This ruling against former President Bolsonaro raises significant questions regarding the integrity of democratic institutions in Brazil. It is crucial for the nation to reflect on the implications of such convictions while ensuring that the rule of law prevails without political bias.
NationPress
12/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges led to Bolsonaro's conviction?
Bolsonaro was found guilty of plotting a coup d'état, attempting to violently abolish democratic governance, participating in an armed criminal organization, causing aggravated damage, and harming heritage sites.
Can Bolsonaro appeal the sentence?
Yes, Bolsonaro can appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Federal Court, which consists of 11 justices.
What are the implications of this ruling?
This ruling raises significant questions about the stability of democratic institutions in Brazil and may influence future political dynamics.
