Jair Bolsonaro Begins 27-Year Sentence for Coup Attempt Today

UPDATE: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has commenced a 27-year prison sentence today, October 3, 2023, following his conviction for leading a coup attempt after his 2022 presidential election loss. This shocking development has ignited waves of protests and celebrations across Brazil, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.

The ruling comes from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who confirmed Bolsonaro’s detention after he was preemptively arrested on Saturday. Supporters gathered outside the federal police headquarters, where emotions ran high as some called for his release while others celebrated his imprisonment.

Bolsonaro’s time in custody follows a period of house arrest that began in August. Authorities report he attempted to cut his ankle monitor, which led to his immediate detention. In a bizarre twist, Bolsonaro attributed his actions to “hallucinations,” a claim that was swiftly dismissed by Justice de Moraes.

Inside the federal police headquarters, Bolsonaro’s living conditions are notably comfortable for a prisoner. He is housed in a 12-square-meter room equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a TV, and a desk. While he retains the right to meet his doctors and lawyers, access for others must be approved by the Supreme Court. Justice de Moraes has declared that all appeals regarding Bolsonaro’s conviction have been exhausted, although his legal team continues to fight for house arrest citing the former leader’s health issues.

Bolsonaro, aged 70, was found guilty of orchestrating a plot to overthrow Brazil’s democratic government. The conviction stems from plans that included attempts to assassinate President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, as well as inciting an insurrection in early 2023. He was convicted of leading an armed criminal organization and attempting to violently abolish the democratic rule of law.

The ramifications of this ruling extend beyond Bolsonaro, as several of his former aides and allies have also received sentences. Two generals, Augusto Heleno and Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, have been sentenced to a military facility in Brasilia, while former Justice Minister Anderson Torres is incarcerated at the Papuda penitentiary. Meanwhile, Admiral Almir Garnier begins his sentence at Navy facilities, and Bolsonaro’s running mate, Walter Braga Netto, remains in prison at a military facility in Rio de Janeiro.

Tensions between Brazil and the United States have also resurfaced, with Bolsonaro being a known ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has labeled the trial a “witch hunt.” The U.S. administration briefly raised tariffs on Brazilian exports earlier this year, but relations have improved recently, highlighted by a meeting between Lula and Trump at the ASEAN summit in October 2023.

In a broader context, Bolsonaro joins a troubling legacy of former Brazilian presidents facing prison time. His predecessors, Michel Temer and Lula, have both served time, while Fernando Collor de Mello remains under house arrest. However, Bolsonaro stands out as the first to be convicted of attempting a coup.

As this situation develops, all eyes will be on Bolsonaro’s next moves and any potential changes in his legal status. The political landscape in Brazil is shifting, and the implications of this ruling will be felt for years to come.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.