Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced Eduardo Bolsonaro to prison and barred him from public office
June 17, 2026: Brazil’s Supreme Court on Tuesday convicted Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, for attempting to interfere in his father’s coup-plot trial. A panel of judges unanimously sentenced the former lawmaker to four years and two months in prison and barred him from contesting public office for eight years. Eduardo, who has been living in Texas since 2025, could face arrest if he returns to Brazil, though he retains the right to appeal the ruling.
According to the court, Eduardo illegally lobbied the United States government and sought pressure on Brazilian authorities to influence the outcome of his father’s legal proceedings. Prosecutors argued that he threatened judicial officials by suggesting that US sanctions could follow if the case against Jair Bolsonaro did not end favorably. Judge Alexandre de Moraes, one of the officials targeted by criticism and sanctions threats, stated that it was not the role of a Brazilian lawmaker to campaign abroad against his own country.
Eduardo Bolsonaro denied wrongdoing, saying his efforts in Washington were aimed at defending Brazil’s constitution rather than securing his father’s acquittal. He also claimed the case was politically motivated and designed to prevent him from participating in future elections. The ruling comes as his brother, Flavio Bolsonaro, prepares to challenge President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in upcoming elections. Both brothers recently met with US President Donald Trump at the White House.