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The Digest:

Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro of coup plotting in a historic 4-1 ruling, a decision that could result in a lengthy prison sentence for the far-right leader.

Key Points:
  • The court found Bolsonaro guilty of attempting to overturn his 2022 election loss to Lula da Silva
  • The conviction stems from a failed plot that relied on military support that never materialized
  • Former U.S. President Donald Trump called the verdict "very surprising"
  • Bolsonaro was already under house arrest for violating a social media ban
  • His supporters stormed Brazil’s Congress in January 2023, echoing the U.S. Capitol attack
  • The ruling dashes Bolsonaro’s hopes of a political comeback in the 2026 election
  • Current President Lula da Silva has indicated he may seek a fourth term
The verdict underscores the ongoing political and judicial reckoning with anti-democratic actions by former leaders.

Sources: Channels Television, AFP