On September 11, 2025, Brazil's Federal Supreme Court delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for his role in attempting to subvert the 2022 presidential election results.
The court found Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants guilty of orchestrating a plan to retain power after his electoral defeat. The charges included the violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, participation in an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage to public property, and deterioration of protected cultural assets. Rapporteur judge Alexandre de Moraes stated that the government's objective was to remain in power by disregarding democratic principles, characterizing the conduct as a coup.
Bolsonaro has maintained his innocence, denouncing the proceedings as a "witch hunt" and asserting the constitutionality of his actions, with plans to appeal the sentence. His defense argued that plotting a coup is distinct from its execution and raised concerns about potential bias from presiding Justice Moraes.
International reactions have been notable, with former U.S. President Donald Trump expressing strong disapproval and calling the conviction "very surprising" and "very bad for Brazil." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, labeling the decision a "witch hunt."
The trial and conviction are seen as a testament to the resilience and independence of Brazil's judiciary. The investigation, initiated after Bolsonaro's 2022 election loss and the subsequent January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings by his supporters, highlighted a two-year inquiry into alleged efforts to undermine democratic institutions. The alleged plot, as detailed by prosecutors, included plans to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who succeeded Bolsonaro, and Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
This verdict represents a critical juncture for Brazil, prompting reflection on the strength of its democratic framework and the far-reaching implications of leadership actions. The conviction serves as a powerful signal about the enduring importance of democratic norms and the mechanisms in place to uphold them, even amidst profound political polarization.