Between September 2 and 12, Brazil’s Supreme Court will deliver the verdict and sentencing in the coup trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a case that has sharply divided the nation and attracted international scrutiny.
Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest since August 4, faces five serious charges including attempting a coup, leading an armed criminal organisation, and attempting to violently abolish the democratic order. T
he accusations stem from claims that he orchestrated a plan to remain in power despite losing the 2022 presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a plot prosecutors say involved plans to assassinate both President Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over the trial.
Prosecutors have presented evidence such as messages, handwritten notes, and other materials allegedly documenting the conspiracy. However, Bolsonaro’s defence maintains that no coup attempt was carried out and points out that he permitted the presidential handover, undermining claims he tried to prevent it.
The trial is being heard by a five-justice panel within Brazil’s Supreme Court. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has frequently been a target of Bolsonaro’s supporters, leads the panel. Although Bolsonaro appointed two justices during his presidency, they serve on a different panel and are not involved in this case.
The court’s decision carries significant weight, with a coup conviction potentially resulting in a prison sentence of up to 12 years. The case has sparked intense political debate across Brazil and has drawn attention from international figures, including former US President Donald Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro.
