In a landmark ruling, Brazil's Supreme Federal Tribunal convicted Trump ally and former President Jair Bolsonaro for his involvement in a failed coup, sentencing him to over 27 years in prison, as Breitbart reports.

On Thursday, the tribunal marked a historical first by sentencing a former president for undermining Brazil’s democratic institutions.

Bolsonaro's conviction stems from charges that included attempting to violently overturn the democratic rule of law, involvement in a coup d’état, and partaking in an armed criminal organization. This case has followed multiple judicial proceedings against him since he left office in January 2023.

Judicial outcomes emerge

The decision was made by a panel of five STF Justices. Only Justice Luiz Fux voted in favor of acquitting Bolsonaro, while the required majority for conviction was obtained with the other four justices' votes.

The former president was deemed the leader of a systematic assault on democratic principles starting back in 2021.

Justice Cármen Lúcia described the actions as a direct attack intended to disrupt the judicial system's functioning.

Additional convictions included six individuals, identified as “Core 1” of the coup attempt, who were all found guilty of participating in the orchestration of the plot.

Details of Bolsonaro’s arrest, sentencing

Bolsonaro faces strict incarceration terms, currently under house arrest with prohibitions including the use of social media and phone calls.

His sentence also entails a ban from holding public office for eight years following his prison term, guided by Brazil's Clean Slate laws.

The former president's legal team is actively seeking to overturn the conviction and plans to escalate the matter to international courts, including the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Adding to Bolsonaro’s personal plight, his former aide-de-camp, Mauro Cid, has been sentenced to two years of imprisonment under open conditions and is expected to move to the U.S. thereafter.

International reactions unfold

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticized the sentence, terming it a "political persecution" spearheaded by STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Rubio's remarks underscored tensions between Brazil and the United States, with implications for bilateral relations.

Rubio's comments were met with stiff opposition from the Brazilian government, which defended the judicial process, asserting that foreign "threats" would not deter its democratic proceedings.

The tension escalated when President Donald Trump labeled Brazil as a national security threat to the U.S., leading to tariffs on Brazilian imports in retaliation for Bolsonaro’s legal troubles.

This judicial event has galvanized significant global attention due to its implications on international diplomacy and the perceived political undertones attributed to Bolsonaro's prosecution.

Reflection on democracy, law

Lúcia encapsulated the gravity of the events of Jan. 8, 2023, contrasting them starkly with ordinary public life, underscoring what she said were their profound implications on Brazil's democracy. Her remarks highlighted what she viewed as the thwarted potential disaster had the coup been successful.

"The political persecutions by sanctioned human rights abuser Alexandre de Moraes continue," stated Rubio, expressing a dismissive stance towards the proceedings and toward Lucia's take and suggesting a potential misuse of judicial power for political ends.

In response, Brazilian officials maintain their stance that the judiciary's actions are justified and that foreign interference will not inhibit their legal processes. This case not only tests the resilience of Brazilian democracy but also serves as a pivotal moment in Latin American political history.