Brazil Supreme Court Convicts Bolsonaro, Allies of Coup Plot

The Brazilian Supreme Court has convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies of attempting a coup following his 2022 election loss, with Justice Cármen Lúcia casting the decisive vote to convict Bolsonaro as the leader of a criminal organization. The court found that Bolsonaro and his associates orchestrated a coordinated plan to undermine democratic institutions, including a disinformation campaign against Brazil's voting system and plots to assassinate political figures. Bolsonaro denied the charges, claiming he only explored constitutional alternatives, but he now faces potential prison sentences totaling decades and remains under house arrest. The verdict marks a historic shift in Brazil's approach to military-led coup attempts, ending a legacy of leniency and amnesty for such actions. The case has drawn international attention, including criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called the trial a 'witch hunt' and threatened sanctions on Brazil. It remains to be seen whether Bolsonaro's allies will seek amnesty or if Bolsonaro will designate a political heir to challenge current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.