A major court ruling has shaken the political landscape. Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison. This comes after he was found guilty of rebellion and trying to overthrow the government. The court believes he planned a coup following his loss in the 2022 election.
Mr. Bolsonaro currently remains under house arrest. He still has the right to appeal this decision. The judges voted 4-1 against him, confirming his guilt. They said he clearly aimed to destroy the country’s democracy and its core institutions.
Seven other people also received sentences for their part in the plot. Among them was Walter Braga Netto, who served as Mr. Bolsonaro’s Defense Minister. Military advisors and high-ranking officials from the defense ministry were also included.
Mr. Bolsonaro faced five charges in total. These included leading a criminal group to stage a coup. He could have faced up to 40 years behind bars. The lone dissenting judge’s vote might give his legal team some hope for their appeal.
This ruling sends a huge ripple through the country’s politics. It could dramatically change Mr. Bolsonaro’s future. He had already been barred from running for office until 2030. That ban was for spreading false information about electronic voting. Despite this, he has stated he still plans to run in the next election. This news was reported by BBC on September 11, 2025.