Supreme Court votes against Bolsonaro for failed coup attempt

Brazil is once again at a democratic crossroads. This week, the country's Supreme Federal Court took a historic step by unanimously approving the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro for his alleged role in the January 8, 2023, riots—events prosecutors say amounted to an attempted coup.

Bolsonaro, along with seven others, now faces charges that could lead to up to 40 years in prison. The accusations include plotting to overturn the 2022 election results through violent means and orchestrating a long-running disinformation campaign. “The coup did not succeed; otherwise, we would not be here,” said Justice Cármen Lúcia, calling the attack “a long and articulated process.”

The decision marks a pivotal moment for Brazilian democracy and a rare instance of a former president being held accountable for an alleged attempt to dismantle the system he once led.