Summary
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to over 27 years in prison after being found guilty of attempting a coup. The Supreme Court ruled that Bolsonaro sought to undermine democracy after losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro's supporters and opponents have reacted differently to the verdict, and tensions between Brazil and the United States could worsen following the ruling.
Key Facts
- Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil, was convicted by a panel of Supreme Court justices for attempting a coup.
- He has been sentenced to more than 27 years in prison.
- Four out of five justices voted to convict him, with one justice dissenting due to insufficient evidence.
- The court found that Bolsonaro's plans to overturn Brazil's democracy began when he questioned the country's voting system in 2021.
- Bolsonaro's alleged plans included a draft to annul the election results and plotting with military commanders.
- After Bolsonaro lost the 2022 election, his supporters ransacked key government buildings in January 2023.
- US-Brazil relations may worsen after Bolsonaro's conviction, as tensions had risen with a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods imposed by the US.
- Many Brazilians are divided in their opinions on Bolsonaro's conviction and potential political and economic consequences.
