Brazil&rsquo;s Supreme Court has sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison after finding him guilty of plotting a coup against President Luiz In&aacute;cio Lula da Silva, who defeated him in the 2022 election. Four of the five justices presiding voted to convict the 70-year-old far-right leader on five counts.
The charges carried a maximum of 43 years, but his age and health conditions reduced the term. Bolsonaro, who denies wrongdoing, remains under house arrest while his lawyers prepare an appeal to the full bench of 11 justices.
The ruling drew swift global reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump, a close ally, called the conviction &ldquo;very bad for Brazil,&rdquo; while Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed Washington would &ldquo;respond&rdquo; to what he termed an unjust verdict. Observers note this could trigger fresh U.S. tariffs or sanctions, especially after Trump tied higher import duties on Brazilian goods to Bolsonaro&rsquo;s legal troubles.
Bolsonaro was already barred from holding public office until 2030 in a separate case. Analysts suggest he may attempt to position a political heir to challenge Lula in upcoming elections, while his allies in Congress are expected to push for possible amnesty measures.
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Brazil’s top court convicts ex-president Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup against Lula

Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years in Brazil Coup

Brazil’s top court convicts ex-president Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup against Lula

September 12, 2025 | 15:25 IST