Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro has been found guilty of plotting a coup and sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison. He becomes the first former president in Brazilian history to be convicted of organizing a coup.
On the 11th, the Federal Supreme Court of Brazil found Bolsonaro guilty by a vote of 4 to 1.
Also on trial were seven of Bolsonaro's core political allies, who were accused of attempting to stage a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election and were found guilty on the same day.
In October 2022, Brazil held presidential elections in which Lula defeated the incumbent Bolsonaro to become the new president. On January 1, 2023, Lula was sworn in. On January 8, some supporters of Bolsonaro stormed Brazil’s Congress, presidential palace, and the Federal Supreme Court, causing serious damage. Afterwards, Brazil’s judicial authorities launched investigations into the incident and brought charges successively.
Currently, Bolsonaro is under house arrest. According to Brazilian law, Bolsonaro and the others can appeal to the full session of the Federal Supreme Court, where all 11 justices will hear the case collectively.