Brazil’s Bolsonaro Faces Decades in Prison as Supreme Court Finds Him Guilty of Coup Plot and Criminal Conspiracy

In a historic ruling, Brazil's Supreme Court has found former President Jair Bolsonaro guilty of masterminding a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. Four out of the five judges ruled to indict the far-right leader on a range of charges, including leading a criminal organization to sabotage democratic institutions.

Bolsonaro, 70, is currently under house arrest and could spend over 40 years in prison after sentencing. The ruling comes after his alleged attempt to overturn the election that brought President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva back to office. Judges made the ruling on over-whelming proof of Bolsonaro's intentions to disrupt democracy and incite chaos.

The trial has sparked global indignation, with Bolsonaro political ally Donald Trump, U.S. President, denouncing the trial and imposing retaliatory trade sanctions on Brazil. Bolsonaro political allies, numbering tens of thousands, have protested in Brasilia, claiming political persecution.

Even though he is not qualified to contest elections until 2030 due to past election-related offenses, Bolsonaro continues to stake his claim for the 2026 election. His refusal to fall out of favor with far-right parties and evangelical groups poses a threat to Brazilian political stability.

The fifth judge's final vote is at hand, and it will make or break Bolsonaro's future and redefine the political geography of Brazil for the years ahead.