Brazilian Supreme Court justices voted to convict Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election.
A majority of the five-justice panel ruled against him on Thursday, holding him guilty on five separate counts.
Justice Cármen Lúcia delivered her vote after Justice Luiz Fux broke ranks and called for Bolsonaro’s acquittal.
One justice still needs to vote before the panel finalises Bolsonaro’s sentence, which may stretch into decades.
Divisions Deepen as Trial Unfolds
The judgment has sharpened Brazil’s political rifts and stirred warnings of retaliation from the United States government.
Donald Trump denounced Bolsonaro’s prosecution as “a witch hunt” and tied trade tariffs to his ally’s legal fight.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes placed Bolsonaro under house arrest in August for breaching restrictions on political messaging.
Bolsonaro stayed away from the hearing, sending his lawyers while insisting that he committed no crime.
Defence Appeals While Supporters Rally
Bolsonaro’s lawyers promised to appeal the conviction before the full 11-member Supreme Court bench.
The case has polarised Brazil, with some cheering the trial and others protesting to demand Bolsonaro’s acquittal.
Observers say Washington may impose sanctions on Brazil, escalating tensions with the Lula administration.
Justice de Moraes labelled Bolsonaro the head of a coup conspiracy and a criminal organisation.
Despite convictions, Bolsonaro still wields political weight and may groom an heir to challenge Lula in 2026.
His allies in Congress, including his three sons, may push for amnesty to shield him from prison.
