Brasília, October 28, 2025 — Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has filed an appeal to challenge his 27-year prison sentence handed down last month for orchestrating a failed coup attempt following his 2022 election defeat. The case has become a flashpoint in Brazil–U.S. relations, with U.S. President Donald Trump openly condemning the conviction as a “witch-hunt.”
Bolsonaro’s Legal Team Appeals Supreme Court Ruling
Bolsonaro’s defense team submitted an 85-page appeal to the Brazilian Supreme Court on Monday, calling for a review of key aspects of the conviction and sentence. The motion alleges “deep injustices” in the verdict but does not specify the amount of sentence reduction sought.
The former far-right leader, who ruled Brazil from 2019 to 2022, was convicted in September of five serious crimes, including:
- Participation in an armed criminal organization
- Attempting to violently abolish democratic rule
- Organizing and inciting a coup d’état
Prosecutors accused Bolsonaro of orchestrating a plot to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s inauguration, including an alleged plan to assassinate Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The conspiracy collapsed when military leaders refused to support the plan.
Coup Attempt and Political Fallout
The attempted coup followed Bolsonaro’s defeat in the October 2022 presidential election. His supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília on January 8, 2023, echoing the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot in Washington, D.C., by Trump’s backers.
Bolsonaro has denied any involvement in the unrest, insisting that his conviction is politically motivated. He remains under house arrest since August 2025 and will not face imprisonment until all appeals are exhausted, as allowed under Brazilian law.
Trump has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Bolsonaro, calling him a “patriot” and criticizing the verdict as part of a global campaign against right-wing leaders. The U.S. president’s disapproval led to sanctions and punitive tariffs against Brazil earlier this year, straining diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“This is nothing but persecution,” Trump said in July. “Bolsonaro is being punished for defending democracy.”
Uncertain Legal Path Ahead
Legal experts say Bolsonaro faces an uphill battle. Thiago Bottino, a law professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, told AFP that Supreme Court reversals are rare, though adjustments to sentence lengths have occurred in past cases.
Typically, two dissenting votes are required to trigger a broader appeal in Supreme Court rulings. In Bolsonaro’s case, only one justice dissented, limiting the scope of his appeal. As a result, his lawyers filed a lesser motion seeking clarification or modification of specific elements of the judgment rather than a full retrial.
Should the appeal fail, Bolsonaro, aged 70, may request to serve his sentence under house arrest due to health concerns. The former president was recently diagnosed with skin cancer and hospitalized in September for treatment.
Broader Political and Diplomatic Implications
Bolsonaro’s sentencing has sent shockwaves through Brazil’s political landscape and deepened polarization among voters. Supporters have staged protests across major cities, accusing the Supreme Court of judicial overreach, while Lula’s allies have praised the conviction as a victory for democracy.
The verdict has also put pressure on Brazil’s relationship with Washington. Trump’s vocal defense of Bolsonaro contrasts with the Biden administration’s earlier support for Lula, raising questions about future trade and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Brazilian lawmakers are debating a controversial bill to pardon Bolsonaro and other officials involved in the coup attempt. The proposal has been met with fierce opposition from human rights groups and democratic institutions, who warn it could undermine accountability and embolden extremist movements.
Bolsonaro’s Health and Future Prospects
Despite his legal troubles, Bolsonaro remains a symbol of Brazil’s populist right and continues to exert influence over his political movement. However, health concerns may limit his role in future politics.
In recent months, he has undergone multiple medical procedures and appeared visibly weakened during public appearances. Supporters say his deteriorating health underscores the need for leniency, while critics argue it should not exempt him from justice.
“No one is above the law,” said political analyst Ana Paula Matos. “Bolsonaro’s conviction sends a clear message that Brazil’s democracy will not tolerate attempts to subvert it.”
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