Brazil’s Former Leader Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Illegal Actions: Brazilian Supreme Court
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Attempting Coup and Escape: The Supreme Court of Brazil on Monday upheld the continued house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro after he admitted attempting to break his ankle monitor. The device, used to track his movements while under house arrest, is intended as an alternative to imprisonment.
Bolsonaro, 70, was arrested early Saturday and held in a cell at the police headquarters in Brasilia after a judge deemed his actions an attempt to evade his 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup to remain in office following his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
A four-member court panel—including Judges Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Dino, Cristiano Janin, and Carmen Lúcia—ruled unanimously that Bolsonaro must remain under house arrest. Judge Moraes noted that Bolsonaro’s attempt to remove the monitor constituted a real risk of flight.
Reason for Punishment:
Bolsonaro’s 27-year sentence stems from his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2022 election. He has faced prolonged legal scrutiny and was indicted and removed from office, while his former ally, US President Donald Trump, has distanced himself from Bolsonaro.
House Arrest and Allegations:
Bolsonaro previously spent more than 100 days under house arrest in Brasilia. During that period, he allegedly requested Trump’s intervention on his behalf. On Sunday, Bolsonaro told an assistant judge that a change in medication caused anxiety and panic, prompting him to try to tamper with the ankle monitor. His lawyers and doctors have supported this explanation, citing health concerns.
In a media statement, Bolsonaro’s son, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, described his father’s prosecution as “psychological torture” and a deliberate conspiracy against him.
The Supreme Court’s ruling ensures that Bolsonaro will remain under strict house arrest while serving his sentence, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance against any attempts to evade detention.
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