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Key Points

Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro faces a significant legal challenge after being convicted of attempting to overthrow democratic institutions. His defense team has immediately signaled their intention to appeal the 27-year prison sentence through multiple legal channels. The Supreme Federal Court's decision came after a meticulous review by its justices, with four out of five voting to convict Bolsonaro on multiple serious charges. This conviction marks a pivotal moment in Brazil's recent political history, highlighting the country's commitment to protecting its democratic processes.

Key Points: Bolsonaro Defense Vows International Appeals After Coup Conviction

  • Bolsonaro convicted on five serious charges related to democratic disruption
  • Supreme Court panel votes 4-1 to uphold conviction
  • Former president currently under house arrest
  • Lawyers plan comprehensive legal challenge strategy
2 min read

Brazilian ex-president Bolsonaro's defense pledges to further appeal

Bolsonaro's lawyers pledge to fight 27-year prison sentence through all possible legal channels after Supreme Court coup conviction

"We will pursue all possible appeals, including internationally - Celso Vilardi, Bolsonaro's Attorney"

Sao Paula, Sep 13

The defence team of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced Thursday that it intends to file further appeals against the ruling sentencing him to 27 years and three months in prison.

The announcement followed a decision by four of five Supreme Federal Court justices to convict the former president of attempting a coup.

In a statement, attorneys Celso Vilardi and Paulo Amador da Cunha Bueno said they will pursue "all possible appeals, including internationally."

The attorneys argued the case should have been tried by a lower court or by the full Supreme Federal Court, not its First Panel. They also criticised the limited time allotted to review the evidence, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier, on September 11, Justices Carmen Lucia and Cristiano Zanin cast their votes to convict former President Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro was found guilty on five counts -- plotting a coup d'etat, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, participation in an armed criminal organisation, aggravated damage, and deterioration of listed heritage sites.

The Supreme Federal Court opened the case on September 2, with a conviction requiring a majority of the five-justice panel reviewing the case.

Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino on Tuesday found Bolsonaro guilty of the related charges, while Justice Luiz Fux on Wednesday voted for acquittal.

The 70-year-old former president is currently under house arrest. He may still appeal the verdict to the full Supreme Federal Court of 11 justices.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that Bolsonaro has the right to defend himself, a right that was denied to Lula when he was arrested in 2018 on corruption charges. The case against him was later overturned when the anti-corruption Operation Car Wash was found to have been politically motivated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
27 years is a very harsh sentence! Even if he's guilty, this seems excessive. His lawyers have a point about the limited time to review evidence. Due process should be followed properly.
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Michael C
Interesting how Lula is now defending Bolsonaro's right to defend himself after what he went through. Shows maturity in leadership. Hope Brazil can move forward from this political turmoil.
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Ananya R
Attempting a coup against democracy is the most serious crime a leader can commit. The sentence reflects the gravity of his actions. No one should be above the law, not even former presidents.
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Siddharth J
The international appeal route is interesting. Will be watching how other countries respond to this. Brazil's judiciary seems to be handling this carefully with mixed votes from different justices.
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Nisha Z
This case shows how political prosecutions can go both ways. First Lula was targeted, now Bolsonaro. Hope both sides learn that using judiciary for political battles damages democracy itself.

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