Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison after Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted him of plotting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 election defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Four of five justices found him guilty of leading a criminal organisation and attempting to erode democratic institutions. Justice Luiz Fux dissented, voting to acquit. Justice Cármen Lúcia said evidence proved Bolsonaro acted “with the purpose of eroding democracy & institutions.”
The 70-year-old, currently under house arrest, faced up to 40 years. His lawyers described the ruling as “excessive & disproportionate” & vowed to appeal both domestically & internationally.
The court also convicted 7 close allies, including ex-running mate Walter Braga Netto, former Defence Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, ex-aide Mauro Cid, and ex-Justice Minister Anderson Torres.
