Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for coup attempt in Brazil

In Brazil, on September 11, 2025, the Supreme Court sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison due to charges related to coup plotting. This conviction marks a significant moment in Brazilian political history as Bolsonaro is the first former president to be found guilty of attempting a coup. The court's ruling was reached after a panel of five justices reviewed evidence presented by the Attorney General's Office, leading to a guilty verdict on five counts against Bolsonaro. His supporters had stormed government buildings in January 2023, which added to the legal troubles surrounding Bolsonaro. The trial triggered intense debate within Brazil, highlighting the deep political divisions in the country. Supporters of Bolsonaro vehemently protested against the legal actions taken against him, claiming it was a politically motivated persecution. Meanwhile, his opponents celebrated the verdict as a victory for Brazilian democracy. The trial and conviction also received international attention, including comments from political figures in the United States, showcasing the strained diplomatic relations between Brazil and the U.S. in the wake of these events. The panel's decision reflected three votes favoring conviction against one dissenting vote. Justice Carmen Lucia delivered the decisive vote, accusing Bolsonaro of trying to sow anti-democratic sentiments in Brazil. This conviction has potential implications for the future political landscape in Brazil, where Bolsonaro's allies may attempt to pass an amnesty bill that could overturn the conviction and allow Bolsonaro to pursue a presidential run in the future. As Brazil grapples with its political identity, Bolsonaro's conviction underscores the challenges facing the country’s democracy. This landmark ruling not only holds Bolsonaro accountable but also could pave the way for discussions on the integrity of democratic processes in Brazil moving forward. With a history of political turmoil, Brazil’s current situation reflects ongoing struggles between various factions within its society, political framework, and governance, as citizens remain divided over Bolsonaro's legacy and the implications of his actions.