Sele Media Africa
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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 12, 2025
Brazil’s Former President Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Attempted Coup
In a landmark ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. This verdict marks the first time a former Brazilian head of state has been convicted for attempting to subvert the nation’s democracy.
Charges and Conviction
On September 11, 2025, a panel of five justices found Bolsonaro guilty on five counts, including:
• Leading an armed criminal organization
• Attempting to violently abolish democratic rule
• Organizing a coup d’état
• Damaging government property
• Deterioration of listed heritage sites
Four of the five justices voted to convict, with one dissenting opinion citing concerns over evidence sufficiency and jurisdiction. Bolsonaro, who remains under house arrest, has denied any wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision. [1]
Co-Conspirators and Broader Implications
The court also convicted seven of Bolsonaro’s close allies, including former military and government officials, with sentences ranging from 2 to 26 years. Notable figures among the convicted include:
• Walter Braga Netto, former Defense Minister and 2022 running mate
• Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, former Defense Minister
• Mauro Cid, former aide-de-camp
• Augusto Heleno Ribeiro, military adviser
• Anderson Torres, former Justice Minister
• Almir Garnier Santos, former Navy Chief
• Alexandre Ramagem, ex-police officer
These convictions underscore a significant shift in Brazil’s approach to upholding democratic institutions and holding high-ranking officials accountable. [2]
International Reactions
The ruling has elicited mixed reactions globally. U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have criticized the verdict, labeling it a “witch hunt” and suggesting potential sanctions. Conversely, Brazilian officials and supporters of the ruling view it as a pivotal moment in reinforcing the country’s democratic framework. [3]
Political Future
Despite the conviction, Bolsonaro maintains a significant political following. While he is barred from running for office until 2030, discussions about potential successors and the future of his political movement continue to unfold. [4]
For more updates on this developing story, visit www.selemedia.org.
Citations:
1. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-bolsonaro-sentenced-27-years-after-landmark-coup-plot-conviction-2025-09-11/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Al Jazeera: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/11/brazils-bolsonaro-found-guilty-of-coup-plot-by-top-court?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. AP News: apnews.com/article/f95765c36dbbdc3355ad3af0b70eacf6?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/11/brazil-supreme-court-bolsonaro-guilty-coup?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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