Friday, September 12, 2025 -Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after being found guilty of plotting a coup to overturn the results of the 2022 election.
The court ruled that Bolsonaro conspired with military allies and political figures to subvert democratic institutions, framing his actions as a direct assault on Brazil’s constitutional order. The ruling marks one of the most dramatic moments in Latin America’s recent political history, with a former head of state facing decades behind bars.
The verdict has triggered a firestorm across Brazil. Bolsonaro’s supporters erupted in protest, claiming the trial was politically motivated and vowing to continue his populist movement despite his imprisonment.
Opponents, however, hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy, arguing that Brazil has drawn a line against authoritarian backsliding. Social media lit up with images of demonstrations, celebrations, and heated debates, reflecting the country’s deep divisions.
The sentencing could reshape Brazil’s political landscape for years to come. With Bolsonaro sidelined, his allies may scramble to regroup under a new banner, while the ruling Workers’ Party strengthens its hold on power.
Internationally, the case sends a strong signal about accountability in fragile democracies, but it also risks inflaming tensions at home, with fears of unrest looming as Bolsonaro’s movement faces its most uncertain chapter yet.
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