Brazil's Supreme Court Convicts Bolsonaro in Historic Coup Trial
Brasília, Thursday, 11 September 2025.
In a precedent-setting ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted ex-President Jair Bolsonaro of attempted coup charges, signaling a pivotal moment for the country’s political and economic future.
Conviction Details and Charges
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, has been convicted by the Supreme Court on multiple charges, including plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election. This decision, reached on Thursday, 11 September 2025, marks a historic first as Bolsonaro becomes the only former president in Brazil’s history to be convicted of offenses against democracy [1][2]. The charges also include participation in an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently overthrow the democratic order, and damaging government property [2].
International and Domestic Reactions
The conviction has drawn international attention, with Bolsonaro’s ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling the trial a ‘witch hunt’ and enacting measures such as tariff increases against Brazil [2][3]. Domestically, the trial has stirred significant political and social tensions. Bolsonaro himself, who has been barred from public office until 2030 due to spreading misinformation about Brazil’s voting system, denies the allegations and insists on his innocence [3][4].
Implications for Brazil’s Democracy
This ruling has profound implications for Brazil’s political landscape, potentially altering the trajectory of its democracy. Justice Carmen Lucia, in her statement, described the trial as a critical convergence of Brazil’s past, present, and future [1]. The conviction reflects a broader trend of accountability for far-right leaders globally, with parallels drawn to recent legal actions against figures like Marine Le Pen in France and Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines [1].
Future Proceedings and Potential Outcomes
The Supreme Court is expected to finalize Bolsonaro’s sentence by Friday, 12 September 2025, with a potential prison term of up to 40 years on the line [1][2]. Justice Luiz Fux, who voted to acquit Bolsonaro, argues that the charges should be reconsidered, potentially opening avenues for appeals and further legal challenges [5]. The trial’s outcome could influence the upcoming 2026 presidential elections, where Bolsonaro has expressed intentions to run despite being barred [2][5].