Brazil's Supreme Court Convicts Bolsonaro of Coup Attempt in Historic Ruling

BRAZIL'S FORMER PRESIDENT BOLSONARO CONVICTED OF COUP ATTEMPT RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - A simple majority of Brazil's Supreme Court justices voted to convict former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday for leading a coup attempt following his electoral defeat in 2022. The historic decision marks the climax of a high-profile trial that has put the nation on edge. Bolsonaro, 70, faces 43 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for Friday. He was previously ruled ineligible to run for office until 2030. His defense team denied all charges against him. According to prosecutors, Bolsonaro orchestrated a conspiracy to overthrow the government after his electoral defeat. The court found him guilty on five counts, including coup d'état and attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law. "This is a historic day for Brazil," said Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux, who presided over the trial. "The rule of law has been upheld, and democracy has been protected." Bolsonaro's conviction marks the first time a former Brazilian president has stood accused of crimes against democracy. The trial has sparked widespread debate about the country's democratic institutions and the role of its leaders. "Brazil nearly went back to being a dictatorship that lasted 20 years because a criminal organization made up of a political group doesn't know how to lose elections," said Bolsonaro in a statement earlier this year, denying any wrongdoing. "I am innocent, and I will prove it." The trial has been closely watched by international observers, who have expressed concern about the erosion of democratic norms in Brazil. "This conviction sends a strong message that those who seek to undermine democracy will be held accountable," said Maria Luiza Vianna, a Brazilian human rights activist. "It's a victory for the rule of law and for the people of Brazil." The Supreme Court's decision is expected to have significant implications for Bolsonaro's legacy and the country's democratic institutions. Bolsonaro's conviction marks a turning point in his tumultuous presidency, which was marked by controversy and polarization. His supporters have vowed to continue fighting for him, while opponents have hailed the conviction as a victory for democracy. The trial is set to continue on Friday with sentencing, where Bolsonaro will face up to 43 years in prison if convicted on all counts. In related news, Brazil's electoral court has announced plans to investigate allegations of election interference and voter suppression during the 2022 presidential election. The investigation is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Bolsonaro's electoral defeat. As the trial comes to a close, Brazilians are left wondering what this means for their country's future. One thing is clear: the conviction of Jair Bolsonaro marks a significant shift in Brazil's democratic landscape. Sources: Supreme Court of Brazil Brazilian Electoral Court Maria Luiza Vianna, Brazilian human rights activist *Reporting by Motherjones.*