A majority of justices at Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court have voted to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Over a five-day period, the justices have been delivering individual rulings, each accompanied by lengthy explanations. To date, three out of the five members of the court have found Bolsonaro guilty of attempted coup d’état and criminal conspiracy.
A final decision and sentencing are expected on Friday. Possible penalties include a prison sentence of up to 43 years. It would mark the first time a former Brazilian head of state has been convicted of attempting to overthrow the government.
Bolsonaro, considered a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, faces accusations related to events following the 2022 presidential election. Trump, who was previously impeached over his role in the January 6th Capitol riot, saw related charges dismissed after his subsequent election victory. Earlier this year, Trump imposed tariffs of 50% on Brazilian goods, citing concerns over the Brazilian judiciary’s actions against Bolsonaro.
Alongside Bolsonaro, seven other individuals are also facing charges, including his former vice-presidential candidate and key figures from the military and political spheres. They are accused of forming an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently dismantle the democratic rule of law and leading a coup attempt.
Prosecutors allege that in 2022, Bolsonaro convened meetings with ambassadors to discuss unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, with the stated aim of preparing the international community to perceive a disregard for the will of the people in the presidential election. According to the prosecution, the defendants persisted in their campaign to discredit the electoral system despite the absence of evidence supporting fraud. The last attempt to undermine the election allegedly occurred on January 8, 2023, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed and vandalized government buildings in Brasília.
