Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Coup Attempt; US Slams ‘Witch Hunt’

Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Coup Attempt; US Slams ‘Witch Hunt’

RMN News Report Highlights:

• ⚖️ Historic Conviction: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison for attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat, becoming the first former leader found guilty of trying to overturn a democratic election.
• 🇺🇸 US Condemnation: The US administration, with President Trump expressing displeasure and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a “witch hunt,” has vowed to “respond accordingly” to the conviction, following earlier tariffs on Brazilian goods.
• 🔥 Political Division: The ruling has intensified political tensions within Brazil, with supporters claiming political persecution while Supreme Court justices asserted Bolsonaro was the “instigator” and “head of a criminal coup plot”.
• 🇧🇷 Enduring Influence: Despite being barred from running for office until 2030, Bolsonaro remains an influential figure in Brazilian politics and is expected to back a political heir in upcoming elections, even as appeals are unlikely to succeed.

RMN News Political Desk
September 12, 2025

Brasilia, Brazil – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by the Supreme Court after being convicted of attempting a coup following his 2022 electoral defeat. This unprecedented ruling, handed down by a panel of five justices with four voting to convict, marks Bolsonaro as the first former Brazilian leader found guilty of trying to overturn a democratic election.

He was convicted on five counts, including plotting to abolish the rule of law, belonging to an armed criminal organisation, and inciting violence. Bolsonaro consistently denies any wrongdoing and remains under house arrest in Brasilia, where he can still appeal the decision. The conviction has ignited a fierce international backlash, particularly from the United States, and has intensified political divisions within Brazil.

US Condemns Decision, Warns of Response: Washington reacted swiftly and strongly to the verdict of September 11, 2025. US President Donald Trump expressed his displeasure, calling Bolsonaro “outstanding” and stating he was “very unhappy” with the conviction. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the ruling as a “witch hunt” in a post on X, vowing that the Trump administration would “respond accordingly”. The United States had already imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods earlier this year, citing the case against Bolsonaro, a move analysts believe foreshadowed further sanctions.

Divided Brazil, Inflamed Politics: Domestically, the trial has inflamed political tensions. Supporters of the far-right leader have taken to the streets, proclaiming the case to be political persecution. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s eldest son, termed the verdict a “supreme persecution,” asserting that history would vindicate his father.

RELATED RMN NEWS REPORTS

[ Download and Read: Smokescreen Research Report on Politics in India ]

[ South Asia Grapples With Surging Public Protests Against Corrupt Politicians ]

However, the majority of the Supreme Court justices were persuaded by the evidence presented by the Attorney General’s Office. Justice Cármen Lúcia stated, “He is the instigator, the leader of an organisation that orchestrated every possible move to maintain or seize power”. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw the case, branded Bolsonaro the head of a criminal coup plot. Current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva affirmed that “hundreds of pieces of evidence” demonstrated Bolsonaro attempted a coup against Brazil’s democracy.

Bolsonaro’s Future and Political Fallout: Despite the ruling, Bolsonaro will not immediately go to prison. His legal team has five days to file motions for clarification after the court publishes the ruling within 60 days, though legal experts suggest such appeals rarely alter outcomes. Bolsonaro is already barred from running for office until 2030 in a separate case.

The conviction of Jair Bolsonaro represents a significant moment for Brazilian democracy, setting a precedent against efforts to undermine electoral results. However, with strong international backlash from the United States and deeply entrenched political divisions within Brazil, the country now faces a volatile period of political and diplomatic fallout as Bolsonaro’s ongoing influence continues to shape the national landscape.