Thus far, three judges have voted to convict the former president on five charges: involvement in an armed criminal organization, trying to violently dismantle democracy, organizing a coup, and causing damage to government property and protected cultural assets.

What led to this point?

He went on to be elected as a congressman in Brasilia, where he quickly became known for his defence of authoritarian-era policies.

Some have taken to the streets to back the far-right leader, who contends he is being politically persecuted.

What could happen next?

Trump, who had dismissed the case as a “witch hunt” previously, remarked to reporters while leaving the White House that he regarded Bolsonaro as “outstanding”.

Donald Trump has called the trial of his ally Jair Bolsonaro a “witch hunt”. Source: Getty / Chris Kleponis / Pool

The conviction, he added, is “very bad for Brazil”.

The verdict was not unanimous, as justice Luiz Fux diverged from his colleagues on Wednesday by fully acquitting the former president — the lone dissenter.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux broke with his peers by acquitting the former president of all charges. Source: AAP / Antonio Lacerda

That single vote could open a path to challenges to the ruling, potentially bringing the trial’s conclusion closer to the run-up of the 2026 presidential elections, in which Bolsonaro has repeatedly said he is a candidate despite being barred from running for office.