Who is Jair Bolsonaro? Brazil’s Ex-President convicted in Coup attempt trial
Jair Bolsonaro during questioning at the Supreme Court. Image Credit: Antonio Augusto/STF via Flickr
Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted in a landmark trial over his alleged role in a coup attempt to overturn the 2022 election. The ruling, handed down this week, marks one of the most consequential moments in Brazil’s modern political history, with implications that extend far beyond the country’s borders.
A Historic Verdict in Brazil
On September 11, 2025, a panel of justices handed him a sentence of 27 years and three months in prison. He was found guilty on five charges including attempting a coup, participating in an armed criminal organization, attempting to abolish democracy, and damaging public property. The conviction follows a sweeping investigation known as Operation World Cup, which exposed a network of military officials, advisers, and Jair Bolsonaro loyalists accused of plotting to keep him in power after losing to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Prosecutors described the trial as “the trial of the century,” highlighting the scale and stakes of the conspiracy.
Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing, portraying himself as a victim of political persecution. His lawyers vowed to appeal, framing the ruling as an attack on democracy itself.
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What Bolsonaro Was Accused Of
The charges against Jair Bolsonaro centered on his efforts to discredit Brazil’s electoral system, including spreading baseless claims of voting machine fraud. Investigators also tied him to meetings where strategies to prevent a peaceful transfer of power were discussed, as well as to communications that encouraged supporters to challenge the election results.
Prosecutors argued these actions fueled the January 8, 2023, attack on Brazil’s government buildings, drawing parallels to the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot. Bolsonaro’s ties to far-right groups and his open admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump were repeatedly highlighted in the trial.
Global Reaction to the Conviction
The conviction has sparked worldwide attention. Leaders across Latin America have emphasized the ruling as a sign of judicial independence in Brazil. Meanwhile, Trump expressed support for Bolsonaro, calling the trial a “witch hunt” reminiscent of investigations he himself has faced.
Human rights groups and pro-democracy advocates praised the verdict, saying it reinforces accountability for leaders who attempt to undermine democratic institutions. In Brazil, however, reactions remain polarized, with Bolsonaro’s supporters staging protests while opponents celebrated what they view as long-awaited justice.
What Comes Next for Bolsonaro?
Legal experts note that Bolsonaro now faces not only political isolation but also the possibility of prison time, depending on sentencing outcomes. He has already been barred from running for office until 2030 due to a separate conviction for abuse of political power.
The broader investigation continues, with dozens of military officials and political allies also under scrutiny. For Brazil, the trial sets a precedent in holding former leaders accountable for anti-democratic actions, shaping the country’s political landscape for years to come.