Brasília: Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by a panel of Supreme Court justices on Thursday after being convicted of attempting a coup to stay in power despite his 2022 election loss.
Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest in Brasília, retains the right to appeal the ruling. Four of the five judges on the panel found the far-right leader guilty on five counts.
The conviction drew swift international reaction. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters before leaving the White House, said he was “very unhappy” with the verdict, describing Bolsonaro as “outstanding.” He later denounced the trial as a “witch hunt” and announced 50% tariffs on a range of Brazilian imports in response.
Earlier in the day, the court secured the three votes needed to convict Bolsonaro, making a lengthy sentence almost certain. Justice Carmen Lucia cast the decisive third vote, ruling the 70-year-old ex-president guilty of conspiring to reclaim power after his defeat to leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in October 2022.
Bolsonaro’s sentence will only be finalized once the fifth and final judge delivers a ruling. If convicted on all charges, including leading a “criminal organization” to overthrow President Lula, he could face more than 40 years in prison.
Bolsonaro has rejected the accusations, insisting he is a victim of political persecution.
