Bolsonaro's Long Legal Journey Ends in Prison

Former Brazilian President Convicted of Attempting to Overturn Election Results

The Supreme Court of Brazil has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to begin his prison term. Bolsonaro, aged 70, was found guilty of orchestrating a plot to retain power after losing the 2022 election. He will serve his sentence in a federal police jail in Brasilia.

The Plot and Its Consequences

Bolsonaro was accused of leading a scheme to undermine democracy. The court determined that he was aware of plans to harm political opponents, including assassination attempts on Lula and his running mate, as well as plans to arrest and execute a Supreme Court justice. However, the plot failed due to a lack of military support, and Lula assumed office without incident.

A week after the election, Bolsonaro's supporters rioted, storming government buildings. Over 1,500 people were arrested in connection with the riot. The court ruled that Bolsonaro had encouraged the unrest, intending for the military to restore him to power. As a result, he is barred from running for office until 2060, eight years after his sentence ends.

Bolsonaro's Response and Health Concerns

Bolsonaro has denounced the trial as unfair, alleging it is a political maneuver to prevent his participation in future elections. The court has also ordered other co-conspirators, including two former generals, to begin their sentences.

Bolsonaro's health has been a concern, and the court has mandated full-time medical care for him. He was recently caught tampering with his ankle monitor but claimed it was due to medication-induced paranoia, denying any intent to escape.