The trial of Brazil’s former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, centered on allegations of orchestrating a coup attempt, is set to enter its concluding phase this Tuesday.
Mr. Bolsonaro stands accused of masterminding efforts to remain in power following his defeat in the 2022 re-election bid. These efforts allegedly culminated in the incursion and vandalism of government buildings in Brasília by his supporters.
A panel comprising five Supreme Court justices is anticipated to deliver a verdict by September 12.
Throughout the proceedings, Bolsonaro has maintained his innocence, dismissing the charges as politically motivated.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced support for Bolsonaro, labeling the trial a “witch-hunt” and citing it as justification for imposing 50% tariffs on select Brazilian products and sanctioning the Supreme Court justice presiding over the case.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a prison sentence exceeding 40 years. He is expected to be present in court for the opening and closing days of this final trial phase.
Bolsonaro, along with seven former government officials, faces five counts related to the alleged coup attempt.
The charges against Bolsonaro include leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish the democratic rule of law, attempting a coup, damaging federal property, and the deterioration of listed heritage. Each charge carries the potential for multiple years of imprisonment.
The allegations stem from events preceding the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings by his supporters.
Following a comprehensive investigation, authorities allege that Bolsonaro and other officials had been planning to undermine the democratic rule of law and maintain his grip on power as early as 2019.
Law enforcement officials claim Bolsonaro had “full knowledge” of a plot to assassinate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, then president-elect, along with Lula’s running mate and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
Investigators cite intercepted communications among alleged conspirators and meetings at the presidential residence as evidence supporting the charges.
Jair Bolsonaro is also accused of convening a meeting with top military commanders in December 2022, where he allegedly presented a proposed coup plan and solicited their participation.
While the army and air force commanders reportedly declined, Navy Commander Almir Garnier Santos, a co-defendant, allegedly expressed support, according to police. The commander has denied the allegations.
Bolsonaro and his allies, including former Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto, are also accused of encouraging attacks on social media against military commanders who did not join the alleged coup plan. Braga Netto has denied any wrongdoing.
Bolsonaro is already barred from running in Brazil’s 2026 elections for disseminating unsubstantiated claims about Brazil’s electoral system and electronic voting machines via social media and state television.
Following his narrow defeat to Lula in the 2022 election, Bolsonaro’s supporters staged protests and roadblocks across the country.
In the months leading up to the election, he had repeatedly cast doubt on the electoral process without evidence, and he did not concede defeat after the results were announced.
On January 8, 2023, a week after Lula’s inauguration, crowds of his supporters marched through Brasília, breaching and vandalizing Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Presidential Palace. The damage included the destruction of statues, smashing of glass, and setting fire to the chief justice’s chair, leading to clashes with police.
Bolsonaro distanced himself from the riots at the time, criticizing the methods on social media while continuing to allege that the election had been stolen.
He is currently under house arrest, prohibited from traveling, and wears an ankle monitor after authorities expressed concerns about potential flight or asylum-seeking.
Justice Cristiano Zanin, a former lawyer for Lula and now chairman of the Supreme Court panel overseeing the trial, will commence proceedings at 09:00 local time (12:00 GMT).
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, whom Bolsonaro views as his primary adversary, will then present a report outlining the case.
Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet is expected to subsequently read the charges against Bolsonaro and his co-defendants.
Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide, has entered a plea deal in exchange for providing evidence, and his lawyer will be the first to speak.
The remaining defendants’ lawyers will then present arguments on behalf of their clients, all of whom have denied the charges.
The justices will then cast their votes individually. A majority of three out of the five votes is required for a conviction.
Each judge has the option to recommend a sentence for those found guilty.
Bolsonaro and his co-defendants retain the right to appeal to the full Supreme Court if convicted.
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