Brazil Supreme Court Sentences Bolsonaro 27 Years Coup Attempt

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for attempting a coup to retain power after his 2022 electoral defeat. The conviction, delivered by four of the five justices, found Bolsonaro guilty of leading a criminal organization that aimed to overthrow the government of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, including plans to impose a state of emergency and force new elections. The court cited evidence such as secret meetings, public attacks on the electoral system, and the violent January 8, 2023 storming of government buildings by Bolsonaro supporters. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing, remained under house arrest, and plans to appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Court. The ruling has deeply divided Brazilian society and raised concerns about the state of democracy, with justices warning against the spread of authoritarianism and celebrating the resilience of Brazil's democratic institutions. Several military officers and former cabinet members were also convicted in connection with the coup plot.