Bolsonaro fights 27-year sentence in coup appeal

Jair Bolsonaro asked Brazil's Supreme Federal Court on Monday to reduce his 27-year prison sentence for attempting to overthrow the government after losing the 2022 presidential election. His attorneys claimed the trial denied him adequate legal representation and relied on unreliable witness statements obtained through plea agreements. The court convicted Brazil's former president in September on five criminal counts after judges voted 4-1 that he organized efforts to remain in office illegally. Charges against him involve leading an armed conspiracy, trying to end democratic governance through violence and damaging protected national monuments.