Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted Jair Bolsonaro for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election.
Three of five justices found the former president guilty on five counts. One justice has yet to vote.
Justice Cármen Lúcia ruled for conviction Thursday, following Justice Luiz Fux’s vote to acquit on Wednesday.
The court will determine Bolsonaro’s sentence once all five votes are cast, potentially sending him to prison for decades.
Political Tensions Escalate
The ruling deepens Brazil’s political divisions and could trigger backlash from the United States government.
Donald Trump previously called Bolsonaro’s legal proceedings a “witch hunt” and tied a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to the trial.
Observers warn Washington may impose new sanctions, further straining already fragile diplomatic ties with Brazil.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes accused Bolsonaro of leading a coup plot and heading a criminal organisation.
Bolsonaro’s Response and Continuing Influence
Bolsonaro stayed home from the court, sending lawyers to represent him while under house arrest since August 5.
His legal team plans to appeal to the full Supreme Court, which has 11 justices.
Supporters protested in the streets, demanding Bolsonaro’s immediate acquittal, while opponents praised the conviction.
Despite the conviction and a separate ban preventing him from running until 2030, Bolsonaro retains strong political influence.
He may designate an heir to challenge President Lula da Silva next year.
Allied lawmakers and his three sons could push Congress to grant him amnesty and reduce his punishment.
