Tens of thousands of Brazilians poured into the streets of Brasilia and other cities on Thursday to celebrate Jair Bolsonaro’s historic conviction for plotting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. The former far-right president was sentenced to 27 years in prison for leading a criminal organisation that sought to “annihilate” the country’s democracy.7

Progressive leaders across Latin America welcomed the ruling. Chile’s president Gabriel Boric hailed the verdict as proof that democracy had “fended off a coup attempt” and emerged stronger, while Colombia’s Gustavo Petro insisted that “all putschists must be convicted.” The date of September 11, long associated with the 1973 Pinochet coup in Chile and the 9/11 attacks in the US, acquired fresh meaning for many Brazilians as fireworks lit up the sky over the capital.

Anthropologist Beatriz Matos, whose husband, Indigenous rights defender Bruno Pereira, was murdered during Bolsonaro’s presidency, told The Guardian the verdict brought “relief, happiness, and fire in my eyes.”

Indigenous leader Beto Marubo called the day “a breath of justice” for communities who endured threats and violence under Bolsonaro’s administration. A carnival-style “Victory of Democracy Procession” is planned for Rio de Janeiro on Friday night.

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The celebrations contrasted with fury among Bolsonaro’s backers in Brazil and abroad. Trump allies denounced the court decision, with the US president branding it a “political execution.” He announced 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, sanctions, and visa bans against Supreme Court judges, warning of further measures.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau accused Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who led the trial, of “laying waste to the rule of law,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the proceedings a “witch-hunt.”

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a congressman and the ex-president’s son, urged Washington to issue a “firm response.” Brazil’s foreign ministry dismissed the threats, insisting that its democracy “will not be intimidated.”

Brazil’s Foreign Ministry rejected Rubio’s remarks as a threat that “attacks Brazilian authority and ignores compelling evidence,” insisting the country’s democracy “will not be intimidated.” Lula, speaking earlier on local television, said he did not fear US reprisals.

Bolsonaro heading to jail

The 70-year-old became the first ex-president in Brazil’s history to be convicted for undermining democracy. A panel of five justices handed down the unanimous sentence on Thursday, though the ruling was not without dissent: Justice Luiz Fux voted to acquit Bolsonaro and questioned the court’s jurisdiction, opening a possible path for appeals as the 2026 presidential race approaches. 

Justice Carmen Lucia, speaking ahead of her vote, said the case linked “Brazil’s past, its present and its future,” citing the country’s history of military coups. She said evidence showed Bolsonaro acted “with the purpose of eroding democracy and institutions.” Four justices found him guilty on charges including taking part in an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish democracy, organizing a coup, and damaging government property and cultural assets.

Bolsonaro, a former army captain long sympathetic to Brazil’s 1964–85 military regime, is currently under house arrest. His lawyers denounced the sentence as “absurdly excessive” and vowed to appeal.

The verdict drew condemnation from allies of US President Donald Trump, who has called the case a “witch hunt.” Trump previously imposed tariffs and sanctions on Brazil’s judiciary in response to the prosecution and on Thursday labeled the ruling “a terrible thing” for Brazil. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the court had “unjustly ruled” and warned Washington would respond.