Overview

• Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court panel voted 4–1 on Sept. 11 to convict Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup, sentencing him to 27 years and three months, and found seven associates guilty, including senior military and intelligence figures in a first for Brazil.
• In his essay, Lula rejects claims of a “witch hunt” and says the ruling safeguards democratic institutions.
• Bolsonaro’s lawyers have five working days to file limited appeals, and the court can take up to 60 days to rule and set enforcement terms.
• Bolsonaro remains under house arrest and off social media and made a hospital visit where his doctor reported weakness and slight anemia after the removal of skin lesions.
• The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, sanctioned Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and denounced the verdict, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning of further responses.