Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison after finding him guilty of plotting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 electoral defeat. The decision came from a majority of a five-justice panel, marking the first time in Brazil’s history that a former head of state has been convicted over actions that undermine democratic order.
The court found Bolsonaro guilty on five counts, including participating in an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish the democratic rule of law, organizing a coup, damaging public property, and harming protected cultural heritage. One justice dissented; the panel’s decision reflects growing judicial resolve to hold political leaders accountable for anti-democratic conduct.
Bolsonaro’s sentence follows earlier legal restrictions that barred him from holding public office until 2030 in a separate ruling related to his challenges to Brazil’s electronic voting system and election legitimacy. Although under house arrest for other cases, Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing in the coup case and plans to appeal.
The verdict is expected to deepen Brazil’s political divisions as the country prepares for its 2026 elections. It also signals a sharp test for Brazil’s institutions, the judiciary’s independence, and investor confidence amid concerns over the rule of law and stability. Analysts suggest that international investors will closely monitor how Brazil manages both legal repercussions and political fallout.
