Brazil Supreme Court Majority Votes to Convict Jair Bolsonaro for 2022 Election Interference

A majority of Brazil’s Supreme Court justices have ruled in favor of convicting former President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in attempting to disrupt the 2022 presidential election. The decision, reached on Thursday, accuses Bolsonaro of leading an armed criminal organization to maintain power after losing to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Justices Carmen Lucia, Alexandre de Moraes, and Flavio Dino formed a key bloc supporting the conviction. On the opposing side, Judge Luiz Fux dissented on Wednesday by voting for acquittal.

Justice Lucia stated, "The Prosecutor’s Office provided conclusive evidence that the group, led by Jair Messias Bolsonaro, comprising key figures from the government, the Armed Forces, and intelligence agencies, executed a coordinated and methodical plan to undermine democratic institutions with the objective of obstructing the legitimate transfer of power following the 2022 elections."

The final decision now rests with Judge Cristiano Zanin, who will determine Bolsonaro's right to appeal the ruling. Should Zanin favor Bolsonaro, the former president could take his case to the full Supreme Court for further review.

Bolsonaro faces five serious charges: attempting a coup d’état, participation in an armed criminal organization, efforts to violently dismantle the democratic rule of law, involvement in fomenting violence, and posing a significant threat to state assets. These offenses carry harsh penalties, with a maximum prison sentence of up to 43 years.

Judges are scheduled to deliberate Friday on the exact sentencing and the location where Bolsonaro will serve any potential prison term, with options ranging from house arrest to confinement within a high-security facility.