Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to begin serving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in a coup plot aimed at preventing his political rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from assuming office. The ruling was made by Brazil’s Supreme Court, which found Bolsonaro guilty of leading a criminal conspiracy that sought to undermine Brazilian democracy. The court’s decision comes after an extensive investigation into efforts to destabilize the government and thwart the electoral process.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, mandates that Bolsonaro serve his sentence in a small, 12 square meter room at a police base in Brasília. This follows his conviction in September, where he was found guilty of attempting to orchestrate a plan that included the assassination of Lula and his running mate, Geraldo Alckmin. The plot ultimately failed when military leaders refused to participate, leading to the court’s conclusion that Bolsonaro and six accomplices were trying to “annihilate” democracy and revert Brazil to authoritarianism.
Bolsonaro’s recent legal troubles escalated when he attempted to remove his electronic ankle monitor using a soldering iron. Following this incident, he was taken into preventive custody on Saturday after living under house arrest since August. Alongside Bolsonaro, his six co-conspirators have also received prison sentences and are beginning their terms.
Key Figures Sentenced Alongside Bolsonaro
Among those sentenced are two senior military officials: former Defense Minister Gen Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira and former Minister for Institutional Security Gen Augusto Heleno, who received sentences of 19 years and 21 years respectively. Former Navy Commander Adm Almir Garnier Santos has been sentenced to 24 years and is reportedly being held by navy officials at a military base.
Additionally, Bolsonaro’s former Defense Minister, Gen Walter Braga Netto, was sentenced to 26 years and was already in custody following his arrest last December. Former Justice Minister Anderson Torres faces a 24-year sentence and is expected to be transferred to a specialized penitentiary for police officers in Brasília known as Papudinha. The court also sentenced former spy chief Alexandre Ramagem to 16 years, although he has fled to the United States to evade imprisonment.
In a statement to the press, Bolsonaro’s son, Carlos Bolsonaro, expressed concern for his father’s mental state, saying, “He’s psychologically devastated.”
The implications of this ruling are significant for Brazilian politics, as it underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic institutions. As the country grapples with the fallout of Bolsonaro’s presidency, this case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of accountability in leadership. Further developments in this case are anticipated as the legal processes unfold.
