Bolsonaro, 70, was earlier placed under house arrest as a flight risk. His lawyers described the ruling as “absurdly excessive” and announced an appeal. Legal experts doubt success because appeals usually require two dissenting votes. Along with the jail term, the court barred him from holding office until 2033.

Prosecutors said Bolsonaro fueled false claims about Brazil’s voting system and urged the military to back him. They also accused him of knowing about a plot to assassinate Lula, his running mate, and a Supreme Court judge. The court held him responsible for the January 8, 2023 riots, when his supporters stormed government buildings.

The case has divided opinion globally. Donald Trump compared it to his own legal fights and called it a “witch hunt.” Brazil’s government dismissed criticism from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, insisting its democracy will not be intimidated.

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