Brazil's Supreme Court made history on Thursday by sentencing former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a coup attempt to retain power after his 2022 election loss. The landmark ruling marks the first time a former Brazilian leader has been convicted of attacking democratic institutions.
A five-judge panel found Bolsonaro guilty of five charges, including leading an armed criminal organization and attempting to violently overthrow democracy. Justice Carmen Lucia emphasized the case's symbolic weight, stating it represented "a meeting between Brazil and its past, present, and future."
The verdict drew immediate international attention, with former U.S. President Donald Trump calling it "a terrible thing" and hinting at potential retaliatory measures. Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, currently in the U.S., suggested Washington might impose additional sanctions targeting Supreme Court justices.
While four judges supported the conviction, Justice Luiz Fux's dissenting vote creates legal uncertainty. This split decision could prolong appeals until near Brazil's 2026 presidential election, where Bolsonaro claims he'll run despite being constitutionally barred from office.
The ruling comes amid heightened global scrutiny of democratic norms, with analysts noting potential impacts on Brazil's economic partnerships and regional stability. Market watchers advise caution as political tensions could affect trade flows and investment decisions in Latin America's largest economy.
