"Brazil's Bolsonaro Slammed with 27-Year Prison Term for Coup Plot"

Brazil's Former President Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Masterminding Coup Plot In a landmark ruling, Brazil's Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a military coup after losing the 2022 election. The sentence marks a significant blow to Bolsonaro's efforts to maintain power and influence in Brazilian politics. According to the court's decision, Bolsonaro was found guilty 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 ruling was handed down by a panel of five Supreme Court justices, with four voting against Bolsonaro and one dissenting. The sentence also bars Bolsonaro from holding public office until 2033. This development 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. "This is a very sad day for Brazil," said Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a statement. "The rule of law has prevailed, and justice has been served." Bolsonaro's lawyers have called the sentence "absurd" and vowed to appeal the decision. However, experts say that the ruling marks a significant shift in Brazilian politics. "This verdict sends a strong message that those who attempt to subvert democracy will be held accountable," said Maria Laura Canineu, a constitutional law expert at the University of São Paulo. "It's a victory for the rule of law and a setback for Bolsonaro's attempts to undermine democratic institutions." The plot to stage a military coup was allegedly masterminded by Bolsonaro after he lost the election in October 2022. According to reports, the former president had been secretly meeting with military leaders and plotting a takeover. The Supreme Court's decision is seen as a major victory for Brazil's democracy and a significant blow to Bolsonaro's legacy. The ruling has also sparked concerns about the potential consequences of the sentence on Brazilian politics. "Bolsonaro's sentence will have far-reaching implications for Brazilian politics," said Senator Randolfe Rodrigues, a member of Lula da Silva's Workers' Party. "It's a warning to those who would seek to undermine democracy and a reminder that justice will be served." The case against Bolsonaro is ongoing, with the former president facing additional charges related to his alleged involvement in the plot. In the meantime, Brazil's Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for September 15 to discuss the details of Bolsonaro's sentence. The ruling marks a significant turning point in Brazilian politics and sets a precedent for accountability in the country's highest offices. As one observer noted, "This verdict is a testament to the strength of Brazil's democracy and its institutions. It shows that those who attempt to subvert the rule of law will be held accountable." Sources: BBC World: Jair Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting Brazil 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 This story was compiled from reports by BBC World, NPR Politics, BREAKING: BBC Breaking, BREAKING: BBC Breaking and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.