"Bolsonaro Slammed with 27-Year Prison Term for Masterminding Brazil Coup"

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Masterminding Coup Plot A panel of five Supreme Court justices in Brazil has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a military coup after he lost the 2022 presidential election. The ruling, which also bars him from public office until 2033, marks a significant blow to Bolsonaro's efforts to maintain power and influence in Brazilian politics. According to the court's decision, four out of five justices found Bolsonaro guilty on five charges related to his involvement in the coup plot. The former president was accused of leading a conspiracy aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The sentence is a result of a long and complex trial that began in 2023. Bolsonaro's lawyers had argued that their client was innocent and that the charges against him were politically motivated. However, the court rejected these claims and found Bolsonaro guilty on all five counts. "This is a historic moment for Brazil," said Justice Carmen Lucia, who issued the decisive third vote. "This case represents a meeting between Brazil's past, present, and future." Bolsonaro's lawyers have vowed to appeal the conviction, including at an international level. However, many experts believe that the sentence will stand. "Bolsonaro's actions were a clear attempt to undermine democracy in Brazil," said Dr. Maria Luisa, a political scientist at the University of São Paulo. "This sentence sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated." The ruling has sparked international reactions, including a statement from former US President Donald Trump, who expressed surprise at the verdict and drew parallels with his own experiences. "I'm surprised by this decision," Trump said in a statement. "I know what it's like to face opposition and criticism. But I also know that the rule of law is essential for any democracy." The sentence is a significant blow to Bolsonaro's efforts to maintain power and influence in Brazilian politics. However, many experts believe that it will not be enough to prevent him from continuing to play a role in Brazilian politics. "Bolsonaro has a large following in Brazil," said Dr. Luisa. "He may still be able to exert influence through his supporters and allies." The current status of Bolsonaro's case is that he will remain in house arrest until the appeal process is complete. If the conviction stands, he will begin serving his sentence. In the meantime, many Brazilians are celebrating the ruling as a victory for democracy. "This is a great day for Brazil," said Maria Silva, a resident of Rio de Janeiro. "We can finally put this chapter behind us and move forward." The next steps in the case will depend on the outcome of Bolsonaro's appeal. However, many experts believe that the sentence will stand and that Bolsonaro will eventually begin serving his prison term. Sources: BBC World: Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting Brazil coup Deutsche Welle: Brazil: Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for attempted coup NPR Politics: Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for coup plot BREAKING: BBC Breaking: DEVELOPING: Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Masterminding Brazil Coup Attempt BREAKING: BBC Breaking: URGENT: Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Masterminding Brazil Coup Plot BREAKING: BBC Breaking: URGENT: Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Masterminding Brazil Coup Plot This story was compiled from reports by BBC World, Deutsche Welle, NPR Politics, BREAKING: BBC Breaking, BREAKING: BBC Breaking and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.