The BRICS TimesFormer Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison on charges of coup conspiracy and assassination plots. Four of the five Supreme Court judges found him guilty. Former US President Donald Trump called the verdict wrong. Bolsonaro now plans to appeal the decision.
Supreme Court Verdict Against Bolsonaro
The Supreme Court of Brazil has sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months in prison for plotting a coup. Out of five judges, four voted in favor of his conviction. The 70-year-old leader was accused of scheming to topple the newly elected government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after losing the 2022 election.
The court noted that the maximum punishment for such a conspiracy could have been 43 years. However, considering Bolsonaro’s age and health, the judges reduced the sentence. Currently, Bolsonaro remains under house arrest and continues to deny all wrongdoing. His legal team confirmed that he will appeal before a larger bench of 11 Supreme Court judges.
Alleged Assassination Plot
Bolsonaro, who once served as an army captain, was also accused of leading a criminal group. This organization allegedly aimed to stop President Lula from taking office in early 2023. Prosecutors claimed that the plan included assassinating President Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The former president faced five serious charges in total. These included attempting a coup, being part of an armed criminal organization, trying to undermine democratic governance through violence, inciting unrest, and creating a grave threat to state property.
Trump Calls the Decision Unfair
The verdict triggered a sharp response from former US President Donald Trump, who openly criticized the ruling. Trump labeled the judgment as “political revenge” and warned it could harm Brazil’s future. He even suggested that the US might consider imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports. Such a move could worsen diplomatic tensions between Washington and Brasília.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also opposed the verdict, stating that America would respond to the matter. However, Rubio did not clarify what actions the US government might take.
Bolsonaro’s Political Future
Bolsonaro’s troubles are not limited to this case. In a separate ruling, he has already been barred from contesting elections until 2030. Analysts believe he might now focus on grooming a political successor who could challenge Lula da Silva in the next presidential race.
Despite the conviction, Bolsonaro’s influence in Brazilian politics remains strong, and his appeal is expected to keep the political climate heated in the coming years.
