Bolsonaro Gets 27 Years in Jail for Coup Plan - Beginner English

Brazil’s Supreme Court decided that former president Jair Bolsonaro must spend 27 years and 3 months in prison. He was found guilty of planning a military coup after losing the 2022 election. Four out of five judges said he led a criminal group that tried to attack democracy.

The court explained that Bolsonaro helped inspire the January 8, 2023 riots, when his supporters invaded government buildings. He also tried to stop the election results and weaken public trust in democracy.

This decision is historic because it is the first time a former Brazilian president is punished for trying to break the democratic system. The court said it was important to show that no leader is above the law.

Bolsonaro denied the charges, but the judges said the evidence proved he was directly responsible. His lawyers can still appeal the decision, but the sentence marks a big moment in Brazil’s political history.