Brazil’s Supreme Court Convicts Bolsonaro in Coup Plot

A majority of judges from Brazil’s Supreme Court have found former President Jair Bolsonaro guilty of orchestrating a military coup, potentially leading to a sentence of several decades in prison. Justice Cármen Lúcia Antunes Rocha announced the verdict on March 15, 2024, stating that Bolsonaro had attempted to maintain power following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. This ruling marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political history, as it reflects the judiciary’s commitment to uphold democratic principles.

In her decisive ruling, Justice Rocha condemned Bolsonaro’s actions as an effort to “sow the malignant seed of anti-democracy” in Brazil. She emphasized the resilience of Brazilian democracy, asserting that it “was not shaken.” Her remarks were made during a session in the capital, Brasília, where she warned against the dangers of authoritarianism, which she referred to as a “virus.”

Alongside Rocha, judges Alexandre de Moraes and Flávio Dino also voted to convict Bolsonaro, labeling him as the leader of a “criminal organization” that sought to restore dictatorship in Brazil. During a lengthy address, Moraes outlined the conspiracy that unfolded between July 2021 and January 2023. This plot culminated in the violent actions of Bolsonaro’s supporters, who stormed key government buildings following the inauguration of left-wing candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Moraes described the Brazilian state as the victim of Bolsonaro’s schemes.

Not all judges agreed with the conviction. Judge Luiz Fux dissented, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Bolsonaro was aware of, or involved in, an alleged assassination plot against Lula and Moraes. He characterized the January 8, 2023, uprising as a “barbaric act” but maintained that Bolsonaro should not be held responsible for inciting the violence. Despite this, Fux upheld the convictions of two of Bolsonaro’s close allies, former Defence Minister Gen Walter Braga Netto and former aide-de-camp Lt Col Mauro Cid, for their roles in attempting to undermine democracy.

Bolsonaro’s eventual sentence will be determined after the final judge, Cristiano Zanin, casts his vote. Legal experts suggest that the implications of the ruling could see Bolsonaro facing up to 43 years in prison for his involvement in the coup plot.

The former president did not attend the court proceedings, opting to remain under house arrest at his residence nearby, where police are stationed to prevent his escape. His absence has not dampened the fervor of his supporters, who continue to rally for his political survival.

While many progressives celebrate the judicial ruling as a victory against Bolsonaro, concerns linger about the resilience of his political base. Dr. Camila Rocha, a political scientist from the Brazilian Centre for Analysis and Planning, cautioned against declaring Bolsonaro’s political demise. She anticipates ongoing efforts from his supporters to secure his release and retain his visibility in Brazilian politics.

In recent weeks, pro-Bolsonaro legislators have proposed amnesty for him and others involved in the coup attempt, arguing that such measures could help unify a fractured nation. Yet, critics like author Fabio Victor, who has explored military influences in Brazilian politics, warn that an amnesty would undermine democratic values and encourage further illegality.

As Brazil navigates this politically charged landscape, the conviction of Jair Bolsonaro serves as a pivotal chapter in the ongoing struggle to uphold democracy in the nation. The ramifications of this ruling will likely resonate throughout the political sphere as Bolsonaro’s supporters seek to redefine their strategies in the face of legal challenges and potential electoral repercussions.