Key Facts
• Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months in prison.
• The ruling was made on September 11, 2025, with 4 out of 5 judges supporting the verdict.
• Bolsonaro was convicted for attempting a coup to block Lula’s government two years ago.
• The court confirmed his guilt for conspiring against the democratic process.
• Former U.S. President Trump criticized the trial as a ‘witch hunt.’
• Concerns arise over worsening Brazil-U.S. relations following the verdict.
Summary
Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and 3 months in prison for attempting a coup to prevent the inauguration of President Lula’s administration two years ago. The decision, made on September 11, 2025, was supported by a majority of four out of five judges. Bolsonaro’s conviction highlights his role in undermining Brazil’s democratic process. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Bolsonaro, criticized the trial as a ‘witch hunt,’ raising concerns about potential diplomatic tensions between Brazil and the United States. The ruling marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political history, emphasizing accountability for actions against democracy.
