Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for his role in a plot to overthrow the 2022 election results, with plans to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Conviction Details
Bolsonaro was found guilty by Brazil’s Supreme Court, with four judges of the five-member panel assessing that the former president was part of a conspiracy. Prosecutors stated that the plans included an assassination attempt to overthrow left-wing President Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 presidential election.
Court Ruling
The court found Bolsonaro guilty of attempting to murder President Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw the trial. The attempt involved using explosive materials, weapons, or poison. Bolsonaro was also found guilty of committing acts of violence against government institutions and damaging protected public property during a raid by his supporters on government buildings on January 8, 2023.
Defense Arguments
Bolsonaro’s defense team argues that the trial is politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from running in the 2026 presidential election. While under arrest, Bolsonaro was held in house arrest and did not participate in the final trial phases.
