Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF) reached a majority decision this Thursday (11) to convict former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) for attempted coup d’état and four additional crimes. This marks the first time in Brazilian history that a former head of state is punished for trying to remain in power through illegal means.
The partial vote stood at 3 to 1, after Justice Cármen Lúcia joined the position of Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Justice Flávio Dino. Justice Luiz Fux dissented, calling for partial acquittal of Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro and seven other core defendants were convicted not only of attempting a coup but also of:
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Attempted abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law
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Armed criminal organization
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Damage to public property
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Deterioration of protected heritage
The maximum sentence for Bolsonaro could reach 43 years in prison, as he was identified as the leader of the coup plot. The final definition of penalties will be debated on Friday (12).
According to STF jurisprudence, imprisonment will only take place after all appeals are exhausted. Until then, Bolsonaro’s defense can file motions, but the conviction is already considered a historic milestone for Brazilian democracy.
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