FORMER BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT BOLSONARO FOUND GUILTY OVER 2023 COUP ATTEMPT. (PHOTO).

 Former Brazilian president Bolsonaro found guilty over 2023 coup attempt

Brazil’s Supreme Court has convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro over his role in a 2023 coup attempt, prosecutors said, which could have involved plans to assassinate President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

On Thursday, three of the five justices on the court’s panel voted to convict Bolsonaro, 70, on all five counts linked to the coup effort. Justice Carmen Lucia Antunes Rocha cast the deciding vote, accusing Bolsonaro of trying to “sow the malignant seed of anti-democracy.” Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino had voted earlier in favor of conviction, while Justice Luiz Fux dissented, saying there was “absolutely no proof” of Bolsonaro’s guilt.

The charges against Bolsonaro include plotting a coup, participating in an armed criminal organization, attempting to end Brazil’s democracy by force, committing violent acts against the state, and damaging public property. Prosecutors also allege Bolsonaro considered using explosives, poison, or weapons of war against Lula da Silva.

The case stems from Bolsonaro supporters storming Brazil’s Supreme Court, Congress, and presidential palace on January 8, 2023. The convictions carry a potential prison sentence of up to 43 years. The court is scheduled to issue Bolsonaro’s sentence on Friday, following the final vote from Justice Cristiano Zanin.

Meanwhile, Brazilian lawmakers could pass an amnesty bill that would nullify the conviction and allow Bolsonaro to run for president in 2026. Bolsonaro, a former military paratrooper, was elected president in 2018, and prosecutors say his plotting against the government began in July 2021, ultimately leading to the violent events of January 2023.