In September 2018, as Jair Bolsonaro campaigned in the south-eastern city of Juiz de Fora, a 40-year-old man pushed through the crowd and stabbed the presidential candidate in the stomach.
Images of Bolsonaro doubled over in pain, wearing a T-shirt in Brazil's football colors, were shared millions of times and broadcast endlessly on television.
The former army captain survived, and the shock and commotion caused by the attack boosted his outsider image and helped carry him to victory weeks later.
Seven years on, Brazil's Supreme Court has found him guilty of plotting a coup and sentenced him to more than 27 years in prison. On the face of it, Bolsonaro's career is over.
However, he remains one of the most consequential politicians of recent decades, and with allies already pushing for amnesty, his influence and even the prospect of a comeback still hangs over Brazil's future.
The Long Road to Power
Bolsonaro was seen as a political outsider until the 2018 election when he capitalized on public dissatisfaction stemming from corruption scandals and economic woes. His campaign rallying cry resonated with many Brazilians who felt unrepresented.
An Outsider Who Changed Everything
Bolsonaro's presidency transformed the Brazilian right into a formidable force but his administration faced criticism for its handling of the pandemic and environmental issues.
The President's Nemesis
Throughout his term, the Supreme Court, and notably Judge Alexandre de Moraes, became his fiercest opponent, consistently ruling against his contentious policies and decisions.
Conspiracy and Election Controversy
In the 2022 elections, Bolsonaro questioned the integrity of the voting process and fostered distrust among his supporters, leading to tumultuous events post-election.
Obstinance Turns to Violence
After losing the election to Lula, Bolsonaro remained silent, while his supporters protested vehemently, even storming government buildings in Brasília, an event echoing past political disturbances.
The End of the Line... For Now
Convicted of serious charges, Bolsonaro's political future appears bleak. Nonetheless, political maneuvers for potential amnesty and ongoing discussions of influence suggest that his chapter in Brazilian politics might not be closed just yet.
