The Brazilian Supreme Court has issued a decisive ruling, mandating that former President Jair Bolsonaro start serving a 27‑year prison sentence. The conviction stems from a criminal conspiracy to retain power after his defeat in the most recent presidential election.
According to the court’s decision, Bolsonaro and several of his close allies allegedly plotted a series of illegal actions designed to overturn the election results and install a regime that would keep him in office. The prosecutors presented evidence of coordinated efforts, including attempts to mobilize armed groups and manipulate state institutions.
The sentence marks a historic moment in Brazil’s democratic history, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. Legal analysts suggest that the ruling could set a precedent for how future cases of political corruption and anti‑democratic behavior are handled.
Bolsonaro’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the charges are politically motivated. However, the Supreme Court’s order is immediate, and the former president is required to report to prison within the stipulated timeframe.
The international community has closely monitored the proceedings, with many observers praising Brazil’s resolve to confront attempts at undermining its democratic institutions.