Bolsonaro Conviction: Democracy Upheld or Political Vendetta?

Spread love

In a historic 4-1 ruling, Jair Bolsonaro is found guilty of orchestrating a coup after his 2022 election defeat—triggering celebrations, protests, and U.S. backlash as Donald Trump decries the verdict.

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, September 12, 2025 — In a landmark ruling that has shaken Latin America’s largest nation, Brazil’s Supreme Court on September 11 convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election defeat.

The 70-year-old far-right leader was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison, a term that could mean house arrest given his age and health, for orchestrating what prosecutors called a “criminal organization” bent on dismantling democracy.

This is the first conviction of a Brazilian ex-president for coup plotting, reaffirming the 1988 Constitution’s safeguards against authoritarianism, forged in the wake of two decades of military dictatorship.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who led the trial, denounced the scheme as an attempt to “annihilate” Brazil’s democratic institutions. He cited evidence of plots to assassinate then President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and storm government buildings—paralleling the January 8, 2023 riots that echoed the US Capitol insurrection. “The country and the Supreme Court can only lament that, in republican Brazil, there has been another coup attempt,” Moraes declared.

The 4-1 majority included Justices Flávio Dino, Cármen Lúcia, and Cristiano Zanin, with only Luiz Fux dissenting. GloboNews called the verdict “historic,” while Folha de S. Paulo hailed it as a bulwark against dictatorship-era tactics—though warning appeals could still reach the full 11-member bench.

Outside the court, Lula’s Workers’ Party leaders celebrated. “Brazil is saying: ‘Coups are a crime!’” declared Congressman Lindbergh Farias, as crowds chanted “#SemAnistia” (No Amnesty). Progressive voices like Pastor Henrique Vieira echoed the sentiment online.

Yet Bolsonaro’s fervent base, millions-strong and often waving US flags at rallies, erupted in anger. Supporters branded the trial a “supreme persecution,” citing Fux’s dissent as proof of judicial overreach. Conservative outlets such as O Antagonista amplified those claims, portraying the conviction as payback by a left-wing establishment.

With Bolsonaro’s party holding a congressional majority, amnesty bills and even threats to impeach justices are being floated—deepening Brazil’s political rift.

The fallout has gone global. US President Donald Trump, a Bolsonaro ally, swiftly condemned the ruling as a “witch hunt.” “I thought he was a good president of Brazil, and it’s very surprising—very much like they tried to do with me,” Trump said on the White House lawn. While stopping short of new sanctions, Trump hinted at escalation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed the US would “respond accordingly to this unjust ruling,” while Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo, now a Washington lobbyist, predicted “firm actions” from the US, including tougher economic penalties.

As Brazil stares at years of appeals, mass protests, and possible institutional retaliation, the conviction crystallizes a central question: can a fragile democracy hold the line against populist defiance and international pressure?

Follow The Raisina Hills on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn