Jair Bolsonaro Begins 27-Year Sentence for Coup Attempt

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has begun serving a 27-year prison sentence following his conviction for leading a coup attempt after losing the 2022 presidential election. The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in Brazilian politics, as many had speculated whether he would ever face imprisonment. The decision follows a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who ordered Bolsonaro’s pre-emptive arrest last Saturday after he attempted to tamper with his ankle monitor.

Supporters and critics of Bolsonaro gathered outside the federal police headquarters in Brasilia, expressing their contrasting views on the former leader’s fate. Some called for his release, while others celebrated the ruling as a victory for democracy. Bolsonaro had previously been under house arrest since August but was taken into custody after violating the conditions of his release.

Prison Conditions and Legal Appeal

Bolsonaro’s prison accommodations are relatively comfortable, according to federal police reports. He resides in a 12-square-meter room that includes a bed, a private bathroom, air conditioning, a television, and a desk. He is permitted to meet with his doctors and lawyers, although access for others must be approved by the Supreme Court. Justice de Moraes indicated that all avenues for appeal had been exhausted, and while Bolsonaro’s legal team disagrees, they plan to continue seeking requests for house arrest based on the former president’s health issues.

Bolsonaro, who maintains his innocence, faces charges related to leading an armed criminal organization and attempting to dismantle Brazil’s democratic framework. The Supreme Court found him guilty of orchestrating a plot that included plans to assassinate then-President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. The coup attempt also aimed to incite insurrection in early 2023.

Convictions of Bolsonaro’s Allies

The sentencing of Bolsonaro is part of a broader crackdown on his former allies. Two of his aides, Augusto Heleno and Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, both Army generals, are also facing imprisonment in military facilities in Brasilia. Meanwhile, former Justice Minister Anderson Torres is serving his sentence at the Papuda penitentiary. Other prominent figures, including Admiral Almir Garnier, will serve their sentences in military facilities in Brazil’s capital.

One notable ally, Alexandre Ramagem, former head of Brazil’s intelligence agency, is currently residing in the United States. Justice de Moraes has ordered the Speaker of the lower house of Congress, Hugo Motta, to strip Ramagem of his congressional seat due to his legal troubles.

Tensions between Bolsonaro and the United States have also emerged. Donald Trump, the former President of the US and a supporter of Bolsonaro, has criticized the Brazilian leader’s trial as a “witch hunt.” In July, the US administration raised tariffs on various Brazilian exports by 50%, although relations have since improved following a meeting between Lula and Trump during the ASEAN summit in October.

Bolsonaro is not the first former Brazilian president to face imprisonment; both Michel Temer and Lula have previously served time. However, Bolsonaro’s conviction for attempting a coup sets a new precedent in Brazil’s political history. His case highlights ongoing debates about the health of democracy in the country and the accountability of political leaders.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for Brazil’s political landscape, and Bolsonaro’s future, remain significant.