Former President of Brazil Sentenced to 27 Years for Attempted Coup
Introduction
Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting to mount a coup in order to hold onto power after losing the election. The verdict, announced by the BBC, has sparked controversy and debate in the country.
Charges and Evidence
Bolsonaro, a former military officer, has been found guilty of plotting to overthrow the government through the use of force. The evidence against him includes recorded conversations with military officials discussing plans to seize control of key institutions and suspend the constitution. This shocking revelation has shed light on the dangers of authoritarian leadership and the fragility of democracy in Brazil.
Implications for Brazil
The sentence has significant implications for the country's political landscape. Bolsonaro's supporters, who are known for their extreme right-wing views, have been protesting the verdict and calling for his release. On the other hand, his opponents see this as a victory for justice and democracy. The case has also brought attention to the widespread corruption and abuse of power in Brazil's political system.
About the People Mentioned
Jair Bolsonaro
Jair Messias Bolsonaro, born on March 21, 1955, in Glicério, São Paulo, Brazil, is a Brazilian politician and former military officer who served as the 38th president of Brazil from 2019 to 2023. He began his career in the Brazilian Army in 1973 and graduated from the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras in 1977. After leaving the military, Bolsonaro entered politics, serving as a member of the Chamber of Deputies representing Rio de Janeiro from 1991 until his presidential election in 2018[1][2][6]. Bolsonaro is known for his right-wing nationalist and populist positions, with strong support for conservative social policies and admiration for Brazil’s former military dictatorship (1964–1985). His presidency marked a shift from over a decade of leftist leadership, emphasizing pro-market economic policies, agricultural development, and deregulation, often at the expense of environmental protections, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was widely criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity[2][3]. During the 2018 presidential campaign, Bolsonaro survived a stabbing attack that required emergency surgery but continued his campaign successfully, winning the runoff election against Fernando Haddad. He narrowly lost re-election in 2022, obtaining about 49% of the vote[3][6]. Following his 2022 election defeat, Bolsonaro was implicated in efforts to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions. In September 2025, the Supreme Federal Court convicted him for planning a military coup attempt, sentencing him to over 27 years in prison[1][6]. Despite controversies and legal troubles, Bolsonaro remains a significant figure in Brazilian politics with a dedicated conservative base. His presidency and post-presidential events reflect ongoing political polarization in Brazil[1][2][3][6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
BBC
## Overview The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the world’s oldest and largest national broadcaster, serving as a cornerstone of public service media in the United Kingdom and beyond[1][2]. Headquartered in London, the BBC operates under a royal charter and is primarily funded by a television licence fee paid by UK households, ensuring its editorial independence from both government and commercial interests[1][2]. This model allows the BBC to fulfill its mission to “inform, educate, and entertain” with impartiality at its core[3]. ## History and Evolution The BBC was founded on October 18, 1922, as the British Broadcasting Company Ltd., evolving into a public corporation under royal charter on January 1, 1927[1][2]. Its first Director-General, John Reith, established principles of independence and public service that continue to guide the organization. The BBC launched its television service in 1936, pioneering broadcasting technology, and expanded globally with the BBC World Service in 1932, now broadcasting in 28 languages[1][2]. ## Key Achievements The BBC has been a trailblazer in broadcasting, introducing innovations such as regular television broadcasts, color TV, and digital platforms like BBC iPlayer[1][2]. It has earned a reputation for high-quality journalism, producing globally recognized programs in news, drama, and documentary. The BBC’s international arm, BBC Studios, commercializes content worldwide, while the BBC World Service remains a vital source of news in regions with limited press freedom[1]. The corporation has received numerous accolades, including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its international business achievements[1]. ## Current Status and Digital Transformation With over 21,000 employees, the BBC remains a dominant force in media, generating £5.4 billion in annual income, mostly from licence fees[2]. It operates multiple TV channels, radio stations, and a robust online presence, including BBC News Online and BBC.com[1
