Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Coup Attempt in Landmark Brazil Ruling

A panel of Brazilian Supreme Court justices has delivered a historic verdict, sentencing former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison. The conviction, handed down on Thursday, September 11, 2025, found Bolsonaro guilty of attempting a coup to remain in office despite his 2022 electoral defeat.

Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest in Brasilia, received the lengthy sentence after four of the five justices on the panel found him guilty on five counts related to the alleged plot. The former far-right leader has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his legal team has confirmed plans to appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Court.

The sentencing has already triggered significant international reaction, with former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stating his strong disapproval. Speaking to reporters, Trump called the conviction “very bad for Brazil” and lauded Bolsonaro as “outstanding.”

This unprecedented conviction marks the first time a former Brazilian president has been found guilty of attempting a coup, a ruling expected to exacerbate the nation’s profound political divisions. While many view the decision as a crucial affirmation of democratic institutions, Bolsonaro’s loyal base continues to offer support, with some allied lawmakers reportedly exploring avenues for congressional amnesty. The ruling also intensifies pressure on Bolsonaro to designate a political successor, especially as he is already barred from seeking office until 2030 due to a separate legal case.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.