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Two Justices Back Bolsonaro Sentence as Brazil’s Top Court Opens Appeal

Two early votes to uphold set the tone during a Nov. 7–14 virtual review.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro leaves the hospital where he went to undergo a skin surgery procedure, authorized by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, leaving the house arrest after being convicted by a Supreme Court majority of plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election, in Brasilia, Brazil, September 14, 2025. REUTERS/Mateus Bonomi/File Photo
FILE - Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro stands at the entrance of his home while he is under house arrest in Brasilia, Brazil, Sept. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Nova, File)

Overview

  • Justice Alexandre de Moraes cast the first electronic vote to reject Jair Bolsonaro’s appeal and issued a 141-page opinion dismissing the defense’s procedural complaints.
  • A second Supreme Court judge voted hours later to uphold the 27-year, 3-month sentence tied to a plot to block Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office.
  • The Supreme Court is considering the case in a virtual session scheduled through Nov. 14, with additional votes expected during the window.
  • Bolsonaro remains under house arrest and cannot be imprisoned while appeals are pending, and he could later seek to serve any enforced sentence at home citing health issues.
  • Prosecutors say the alleged plot contemplated assassinations of Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Moraes, and failed due to lack of support from military leadership.