In a historic and unprecedented legal decision, Brazil’s Supreme Court found Jair Bolsonaro guilty of attempting to undermine the nation’s democratic institutions through a military coup plot. This monumental verdict marks the first time a former president in Brazil’s history has been convicted of such grave charges, shaking the political landscape of one of the largest democracies globally. The conviction stems from Bolsonaro’s efforts to maintain power illegally after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s left-wing president. The following sections breakdown the details of the trial, the charges, Bolsonaro’s legal status, and its implications for Brazil’s future governance.
Background: Bolsonaro’s Presidency and 2022 Election Defeat
Jair Bolsonaro, a former military officer and controversial right-wing politician, was Brazil’s president from 2019 to 2022. His tenure was marked by polarizing policies and rhetoric, economic challenges, and significant public protests. Following his loss to Lula in the October 2022 general elections, Bolsonaro disputed the legitimacy of the vote, spreading unsubstantiated claims about electoral fraud that sowed widespread distrust among his supporters.
This climate of doubt culminated in the catastrophic events of January 8, 2023, when thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters violently stormed Brazil’s government buildings in Brasília, vandalizing the Supreme Court, Congress, and the presidential palace. The attack echoed the US Capitol riot in 2021 and served as the legal basis for the eventual coup plot charges against Bolsonaro.
Details of the Trial and Conviction
The Brazilian Supreme Court charged Bolsonaro with five counts related to the attempted coup:
- Conspiracy to stage a military coup
- Leading an armed criminal organisation
- Attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law
- Damage to public property during the January 8, 2023 riots
- Additional charges related to inciting unrest and undermining democratic institutions
Four out of five supreme court justices ruled Bolsonaro guilty on all counts, with a lone dissenting opinion acquitting him. Justice Cármen Lúcia, who cast the decisive vote, condemned Bolsonaro for instigating the “insurgency” witnessed on January 8, describing it as a societal “virus” that endangered Brazil’s democracy.
Bolsonaro’s legal team vehemently denies all wrongdoing, labelling the trial a politically motivated “witch hunt.” Despite this, the court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison a historic sentence unprecedented for any Brazilian former head of state.
Is Bolsonaro Still in Power in Brazil?
No, Jair Bolsonaro is no longer in power. After losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, he left office in January 2023. Following the coup plot conviction and his house arrest since August 2025, Bolsonaro is effectively barred from exercising any political power. He has also been disqualified from running for public office until 2030 because of his false claims disputing Brazil’s electronic voting system.
Bolsonaro’s Current Legal Status and Jail Sentence
Bolsonaro is under house arrest as of August 2025, awaiting formal incarceration pending appeal outcomes. He faces the possibility of spending decades behind bars if the appeals fail. The 27-year prison sentence encompasses both the coup conspiracy and other related criminal charges.
His defense team intends to challenge the ruling at both national and potentially international courts, arguing that the punishment is excessively severe and politically motivated. However, once all appeals are exhausted, Bolsonaro’s imprisonment will commence.
Broader Political and Social Implications
Bolsonaro’s conviction has deeply divided Brazilian society. Supporters view his trial as an attack on their political movement, backing Bolsonaro’s claims of judicial bias and persecution. Meanwhile, critics hail the verdict as a critical safeguard for Brazil’s democracy, sending a strong message that attempts to subvert democratic processes will face legal consequences.
This division mirrors global patterns where former populist leaders face legal reckoning amid polarized publics. Bolsonaro’s case also underscores the challenges democracies face in countering disinformation and violent attempts to overthrow government institutions.
The Role of COVID-19 and Electoral Misinformation
The backdrop of Bolsonaro’s trial intersects with broader issues such as Brazil’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, for which Bolsonaro was widely criticized for downplaying its severity. His administration’s misinformation campaigns extended to the electoral process, where baseless claims about voting fraud eroded public trust.
According to the World Bank and global democratic watchdogs, maintaining electoral integrity and public confidence is vital for democratic resilience. Bolsonaro’s actions, widely reported and documented, represent key threats to these principles, hence the court’s strict verdict.
International Reactions and the US Connection
The conviction reached international headlines, with mixed reactions. Former US President Donald Trump expressed surprise and sympathy for Bolsonaro, drawing parallels between their political trajectories. Trump’s administration responded by imposing tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing Bolsonaro’s treatment as justification.
This international dimension highlights how Brazil’s political crisis resonates beyond its borders, involving trade relations and diplomatic tensions.
Prospects for 2026 Elections and Brazil’s Political Future
Despite the conviction, Bolsonaro has expressed a desire to run in the 2026 presidential election. However, his current disqualification until 2030 and the ongoing legal processes create significant hurdles. The 2026 election is poised to be a critical test of Brazil’s democratic institutions and political reconciliation.
Political analysts expect increased vigilance from Brazil’s Supreme Court and electoral authorities to guard against renewed attempts at democratic subversion. The trial’s outcome has set a judicial precedent likely to deter similar future actions against democratic governance.
Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction for orchestrating a coup attempt represents a watershed moment for Brazil’s democracy. The 27-year prison sentence reflects the severity with which Brazil’s judiciary has acted to safeguard democratic rule and institutional integrity. While Bolsonaro’s supporters denounce the process, the verdict underscores the supremacy of democratic law over attempts to undermine it.
The ongoing legal and political fallout will continue to shape Brazil’s governance and political discourse in the years ahead, making this a defining chapter in the country’s democratic evolution.
