Bolsonaro Faces Coup Trial as Supreme Court Votes Today

URGENT UPDATE: Brazil’s Supreme Court begins critical voting today in the high-stakes coup trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The court’s decision could lead to a prison sentence exceeding 40 years if Bolsonaro is convicted of attempting to regain power following his loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election.

The court’s deliberations, which start today, are poised to send shockwaves through Brazil and beyond. Bolsonaro, aged 70, is facing accusations of leading a “criminal organization” that conspired to overthrow Lula’s government. The trial is unprecedented, marking the first time a Brazilian former head of state is on trial for coup-related charges.

As the session unfolds, Bolsonaro’s fervent supporters have taken to the streets, staging protests across multiple cities. Crowds have labeled the trial a “disgrace,” and many have shown gratitude towards Donald Trump, who criticized the proceedings as a “witch hunt” against his ally. Trump has even retaliated with a 50-percent tariff on numerous Brazilian imports in response to the trial.

Over the next four days, a panel of five judges, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, will deliberate. The court requires a simple majority of three judges to reach a guilty verdict. Should this occur, Bolsonaro has the option to appeal, but the implications could dismantle his ambitions for a political comeback.

Amidst fears of conviction, Bolsonaro’s allies are pushing for an amnesty law to shield him from a lengthy prison sentence. Sao Paulo governor Tarcisio de Freitas, a close ally, claims there are “more than enough votes” in Congress to pass this law.

As the trial progresses, Bolsonaro will observe from his residence in Brasilia, where he has been under house arrest for several weeks due to health issues stemming from a stabbing incident at a campaign rally in 2018. Security measures at the court have been intensified in anticipation of the trial’s developments.

This trial not only represents a pivotal moment in Brazilian politics but also serves as a litmus test for the nation’s democracy, which emerged from a military dictatorship just 40 years ago. The outcome will be pivotal for Bolsonaro’s future and the political landscape of Brazil.

Stay tuned as we continue to cover this developing story. What happens in the coming days could reshape Brazil’s political dynamics for years to come.