Bolsonaro 27-Year Coup Sentence
By Asmita - Sep 12, 2025
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by Brazil’s Supreme Court for plotting a coup. The landmark verdict came after a trial where he was found guilty of conspiring to overthrow his successor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro's conviction includes charges of leading a criminal organization and attempting to abolish democratic rule, leading to him being barred from holding public office until 2033. The ruling has sparked both domestic polarization and diplomatic tensions, with Bolivia claiming political persecution and the United States criticizing the sentence.
Brazil’s Supreme Court via Flickr
Former Brazilian President ,[object Object], has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by ,[object Object], for plotting a coup. The landmark verdict was delivered on Thursday, September 11, 2025, after a lengthy trial. Bolsonaro was convicted by a panel of five judges, where four voted to find him guilty of conspiring to overthrow ,[object Object],, who defeated him in the 2022 presidential election. The ruling bars Bolsonaro from holding any public office until 2033. Currently, he is under house arrest with electronic monitoring.
The court found Bolsonaro guilty on multiple charges including leading an ,[object Object],, attempting to violently abolish democratic rule, conspiring to stage a coup, damaging government property, and attacking cultural heritage. Supreme Court Justice Carmen Lucia described the case as a historic milestone for Brazil's democracy, stating that Bolsonaro acted with intent to weaken constitutional institutions and maintain power unlawfully.
This conviction comes after Bolsonaro's refusal to accept his defeat in the 2022 election, with evidence showing that he and close allies sought support from military and other government factions to stay in power. Bolsonaro has claimed political persecution and labeled the trial a witch hunt. US former President Donald Trump criticized the sentence, calling Bolsonaro a "good man" and alleging unfair treatment similar to what Trump himself faced. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the ruling as politically motivated, pledging a response.
The sentence is unprecedented in Brazil’s history, marking the first time a former president has been convicted and sentenced for attempting to subvert democracy. Bolsonaro’s co-defendants, including former ministers and military officials, were also found guilty. The case has polarized Brazilian society, with supporters viewing it as a political attack and opponents hailing it as a defense of democratic norms. The verdict has also triggered diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States. Bolsonaro’s sentence, which may be served in prison or under house arrest given health considerations, signals a significant moment for Brazil’s judicial system and political future.
