This is a huge moment for Brazil.
Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro has been convicted of attempting a coup and leading an armed criminal group after losing the last election, which culminated in his supporters attacking government buildings.
He now faces a lengthy prison sentence, after Brazil's Supreme Court reached the majority of three votes needed to find him guilty.
For years, Bolsonaro has fiercely divided the country into those who love him and those who hate him.
His supporters, who include President Donald Trump, have described the trial as political persecution. Trump used it as an excuse to impose 50% tariffs on Brazil.
His critics have praised the proceedings as necessary to bring closure, and to set a precedent that trying to undermine democracy will not be tolerated.
This ruling is likely to divide the country further.
This trial has gripped Brazil, as millions watched it live-streamed on social media and television. Its storyline has been no less dramatic than a TV series.
Many may remember the shocking moments when thousands of Bolsonaro supporters attacked government buildings on January 8, 2023, reminiscent of the January 6 Capitol riots in the United States two years prior.
During the course of this trial, many alarming pieces of evidence have been revealed, including plans drafted by Bolsonaro's allies for elite armed forces personnel to assassinate president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes.
Bolsonaro's lawyer argued there was no evidence linking Bolsonaro to this plot or the January 8 riots.
The court was reminded of Bolsonaro's efforts to undermine the electoral system, including false claims about electronic voting machines and actions obstructing voters on election day.
The judges have referred to Brazil's past, noting its young democracy, restored only in 1985 after two decades of dictatorship.
To Bolsonaro's critics, the historical parallels are chilling.
The judge leading the case warned that Brazil risked forgetting its near-return to dictatorship due to a political organization that doesn't know how to lose elections.
Bolsonaro is yet to receive his sentence, which could extend to life imprisonment. He is likely to appeal to have his case heard by the full Supreme Court.
Bolsonaro didn’t appear for the verdicts due to health issues, following a stabbing incident during his presidency.
There is a precedent in Brazil for convicts receiving house arrest due to health reasons, and current legislative efforts may seek to grant him amnesty.
While this ruling represents a significant milestone, the nature of Bolsonaro's punishment remains uncertain.
