There was ample evidence, she added, that Bolsonaro acted “with the purpose of eroding democracy and institutions.”

Four of the five judges voted to convict the former president of five crimes: taking part in an armed criminal organisation; attempting to violently abolish democracy; organising a coup; and damaging government property and protected cultural assets. One judge voted to acquit him.

United States President Donald Trump, who previously slammed actions against Bolsonaro, stated he is “surprised” that the former Brazilian president has been convicted by a Supreme Court majority of plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.

Earlier, the Republican leader accused Brazil of a ‘witch hunt’ against Bolsonaro, slamming its government with sweeping tariffs and sanctions against presiding judges.

RUBIO VOWS US RESPONSEUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington would “respond accordingly to this witch hunt” after former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s conviction in a coup plot.

“The political persecutions by sanctioned human rights abuser Alexandre de Moraes continue, as he and others on Brazil’s supreme court have unjustly ruled to imprison former President Jair Bolsonaro. The United States will respond accordingly to this witch hunt,” Rubio wrote on X.

EDUARDO BOLSONARO REACTS TO HIS FATHER’S CONVICTIONWhile speaking to Reuters earlier, Brazilian Congressman and the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, Eduardo Bolsonaro, said that he expects additional US. sanctions against Brazilian officials after his father’s conviction in relation to the coup charges. In a strongly worded statement, Eduardo asserted that “a dictatorship is being installed in Brazil,” while hinting at a firm response to actions from the US government.

Eduardo also claimed credit for pushing the White House to announce sweeping 50% tariffs on most Brazilian goods.