By Gabe Whisnant
Copyright newsweek
A majority of a panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court justices voted Thursday to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro of attempting a coup to remain in power after his 2022 electoral defeat, a decision that could carry decades in prison and deepen the country’s political divisions.Three of the five justices on the special panel ruled that Bolsonaro, 70, was guilty on multiple counts tied to efforts to cling to office following his loss to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Justice Cármen Lúcia cast her vote Thursday, siding with two colleagues in support of conviction. Her decision came one day after Justice Luiz Fux dissented, voting to acquit Bolsonaro of all charges.One justice has yet to deliver a vote. Once the panel reaches its conclusion, it will set Bolsonaro’s sentence, which prosecutors say could amount to several decades behind bars.Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022. He has been under house arrest and did not attend the hearings. He has denied any wrongdoing and has relied on his lawyers to represent him in court. His legal team vowed to appeal to the full Supreme Court, which is composed of 11 justices.The trial has sharply divided Brazilian society. Supporters of the prosecution argue the far-right leader endangered the country’s democratic institutions, while his loyal base has staged street demonstrations, claiming the charges are politically motivated.The case has also drawn international attention, particularly from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Bolsonaro, recently linked a proposed 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to the legal proceedings, denouncing the trial as a “witch hunt.” Observers have warned that the United States may impose sanctions on Brazil if Bolsonaro is convicted, adding strain to an already fragile diplomatic relationship.Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over the trial, declared earlier this week that Bolsonaro orchestrated a coup plot and led a criminal organization. On Thursday, Justice Lúcia also voted to convict him of organized crime, in addition to the coup-related charges.Bolsonaro faced five total charges, including attempting to overthrow Brazil’s democratic system, participation in an armed criminal organization, and instigating violence that threatened state assets and heritage sites. Prosecutors said the former president sought to illegally retain power after losing the 2022 election to Lula, a veteran leftist who returned to the presidency after previously serving two terms.Despite mounting legal troubles, Bolsonaro remains an influential force in Brazilian politics. Last year, he was barred from running for office until 2030 in a separate case, but allies say he is already grooming a successor to challenge Lula in next year’s general election.Analysts say Thursday’s ruling could intensify efforts by pro-Bolsonaro lawmakers to secure amnesty for him through Congress. A full debate on sentencing is expected Friday, which could clarify whether the former president faces immediate prison time or a prolonged legal battle.For now, Bolsonaro’s conviction by a majority of the panel marks the most serious legal setback yet for the polarizing leader, raising questions not only about his political future but also about Brazil’s ability to move past one of the most turbulent elections in its modern history.This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
