Bolsonaro coup trial: Brazil SC votes to convict ex-president; could face 40 years in jail

TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Sep 12, 2025, 01:27 IST

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Brazil's Supreme Court has secured a majority to convict ex-president Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a coup following his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Judge Carmen Lucia's vote contributed to the decision, potentially leading to a lengthy prison sentence for Bolsonaro, who faces charges including leading a criminal organization.

Bolsonaro coup trial: Brazil SC votes to convict ex-president; could face 40 years in jail

(Photo credit: AP)

Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday reached the majority needed to convict former president Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup, making a lengthy prison term likely, AFP reported.Judge Carmen Lucia was the third of five judges to find the 70-year-old far-right leader guilty of trying to reclaim power after losing the 2022 election to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The final ruling will come after the fifth judge casts his vote.Bolsonaro could face more than 40 years in prison if convicted on all five charges, including leading a “criminal organisation” to conspire against Lula’s government. Lucia voted to convict him on that charge, with decisions on the others still pending.Bolsonaro insists he is the victim of political persecution. His ally, US president Donald Trump, had earlier called the case a “witch hunt” and retaliated by slapping 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports.

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