Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for his involvement in a coup plot aimed at undermining Brazil"s democratic institutions. The ruling was issued by a federal court on September 11, 2025, following a lengthy investigation into the events surrounding the January 8 insurrection in Brasília.
The court found that Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2023, played a pivotal role in inciting his supporters to storm government buildings in a bid to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The attack resulted in significant damage and raised concerns about the stability of Brazilian democracy.
This conviction marks a significant moment in Brazil"s political landscape, as it underscores the legal repercussions faced by former leaders accused of undermining democratic processes. Bolsonaro"s defense team has indicated plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the charges are politically motivated.
The ruling is likely to have far-reaching implications for Bolsonaro"s political future and the broader right-wing movement in Brazil. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the insurrection, this case serves as a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions. In related coverage, former President Donald Trump recently defended Bolsonaro’s conviction, calling it “surprising and unjust,” highlighting ongoing tensions within international right-wing politics. For more details, see our previous reports.

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