The First Chamber of Brazil's Supreme Court handed down a 27-year and three-month prison sentence to former President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday. He was found guilty of orchestrating a coup plot to remain in power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. According to the EFE agency, this ruling marks a historic first in Brazil, as it is the inaugural conviction of a former head of state for attempting a coup. Four out of the five judges in the chamber found him guilty, along with seven of his associates—including former ministers and high-ranking military officials—of committing up to five crimes against the democratic order.
The Scheme to Retain Power
"The central aim of the criminal organization was to ensure the continued governance of Jair Messias Bolsonaro," stated Cristiano Zanin, president of the First Chamber. Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who served as the case's rapporteur, outlined 13 acts of the conspiracy, which originated in 2021. He concluded that Bolsonaro manipulated the state to spread false narratives and provoke social unrest to justify a state of exception, as reported by EFE.
The investigation revealed that the plot involved threats to officials, decrees to establish a dictatorial regime, and even a plan to assassinate Lula, his vice president Geraldo Alckmin, and De Moraes himself. The coup attempt ultimately failed due to the refusal of Army and Air Force commanders to participate.
January 8th Unrest
The court's decision also holds Bolsonaro accountable for inciting the violent demonstrations on January 8, 2023. On that day, thousands of his supporters stormed and vandalized the presidential palace, Congress, and the Supreme Federal Court in Brasilia, in a bid to provoke military intervention.
Military Officials Among the Convicted
Reports indicate that six of the eight individuals convicted are military personnel, including former Navy commander Almir Garnier and three retired generals: Augusto Heleno, Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, and Walter Braga Netto, with sentences ranging from 19 to 26 years in prison. Bolsonaro, a retired Army captain under house arrest since last August, received the longest sentence.
Uncertain Future
The verdict is not yet final, and there is an option for appeal. Bolsonaro is banking on an amnesty proposed by his party in Parliament, coupled with international support. At 70, he is also under investigation for obstruction of justice, disseminating false news, and misappropriating state-owned jewels.
In Brazil, public reaction has been mixed: muted celebrations in leftist circles and small-scale protests from Bolsonaro's supporters, highlighting the ongoing political division in the country.
Understanding Bolsonaro's Conviction
Why was Jair Bolsonaro sentenced?
Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced for orchestrating a coup plot to remain in power after losing the 2022 election, and for inciting violent demonstrations in January 2023.
What was the outcome of the coup attempt?
The coup attempt failed largely because Army and Air Force commanders refused to participate.
Who else was convicted alongside Bolsonaro?
Seven of Bolsonaro's allies, including former ministers and high-ranking military officials, were also found guilty of crimes against the democratic order.