Bolsonaro faces 27 years in prison for coup attempt in Brazil

In São Paulo, Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to over 27 years in prison after being convicted of charges related to attempting a coup. The Supreme Court panel reached this decision despite Bolsonaro not being present during the ruling. His sentencing reflects the heightened tensions and divided opinions in Brazil regarding his political legacy, with significant portions of the population still aligning with his ideologies. Despite the conviction, Bolsonaro's supporters persist in their dedication, suggesting that his influence might still be felt in Brazilian politics even from behind bars. The circumstances surrounding the conviction were intertwined with a series of political events that showcased the polarized nature of Brazilian society. Notably, on January 8, strong reactions from pro-Bolsonaro supporters led to the storming of public buildings in Brasília, an act perceived as an insurrection to challenge the legitimacy of the new government following Bolsonaro’s defeat. This alarming episode illustrated the lingering tensions within Brazil's political landscape and highlighted the ongoing conflict between Bolsonaro's backers and those favoring the current administration. Interestingly, polls during this time indicated that the public remained split on their opinions concerning Bolsonaro's imprisonment. A Datafolha poll from August 2025 revealed that about 48% of Brazilians were in favor of seeing him incarcerated, while 46% preferred his release. This division underscores the entrenched views within Brazilian society and emphasizes how Bolsonaro's ideologies resonate with a substantial portion of the electorate. Furthermore, many of his allies in Congress are actively fighting to push for an amnesty bill, which could potentially lift his legal restrictions and allow him to participate in politics again. The judge overseeing the trial, Alexandre de Moraes, emerged as a controversial figure who performed his duties amidst pressures from both domestic and international realms, including sanctions from the U.S. government due to his actions against Bolsonaro. De Moraes, described as both a hero and a zealot, has played a significant role in navigating Brazilian laws pertaining to these intense political disputes. His decisive and often contentious rulings have put him at the center of Brazil's current political conflicts, indicating that his legacy, much like Bolsonaro's, will be intricately tied to the unfolding drama of the country's governance and rule of law.