Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been found guilty of plotting a military coup. The ruling came from Brazil’s Supreme Court, which needed a majority of three votes. One judge voted to acquit him, and another has yet to make a decision.
At 70 years old, Bolsonaro has been convicted of leading a conspiracy to stay in power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Though the plot didn’t gain enough military support, it led to an attack on government buildings by Bolsonaro’s supporters on January 8, 2023.
The charges are serious and could lead to a prison sentence of over 40 years. Sentencing is set for Friday. Justice Cármen Lúcia cast the key vote, declaring that Bolsonaro incited the January 8 attack, where thousands damaged the Supreme Court, presidential palace, and Congress. He was found guilty on five charges, including conspiracy to stage a coup and leading an armed criminal organization.
Despite the verdict, Bolsonaro has maintained his innocence, labeling the trial as a “witch hunt” and claiming it is politically motivated. His legal team is preparing to file appeals. If two out of the five justices vote “not guilty,” his lawyers could ask the entire Supreme Court to review the case.
The final vote from the last justice, Cristiano Zanin, is eagerly awaited.
Notably, this situation mirrors past threats to democracy in Brazil, drawing comparisons to a coup attempt in 1964. Historical patterns show that political instability can provoke both violent resistance and calls for reform. As society reacts on social media, many express relief mixed with concern over the state of democracy in Brazil.
For more background on Brazil’s political challenges, you can refer to this BBC report which summarizes the country’s tumultuous history with democracy and governance.
