The trial of Brazil‘s former President Jair Bolsonaro has entered its verdict phase, marking a significant moment for the country’s democracy.
Bolsonaro faces charges of leading a conspiracy to remain in power after losing the 2022 election, including attempting to stage a coup, plotting the assassination of senior officials, and involvement in an armed criminal organization. He denies any wrongdoing.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 12 years in prison for the coup plot charge alone. Additionally, he is already barred from seeking office until 2030 due to a ban imposed by the electoral court for abusing power while in office and spreading baseless claims about the electronic voting system.
The prosecution alleges that Bolsonaro’s allies devised plans to kill President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
This trial is considered historic because it’s the first time a former head of state is being tried for an attempted coup in Brazil’s democratic era. Analysts say the case signals that Brazil’s democratic institutions are maturing under Lula’s leadership.
Bolsonaro’s lawyers expect a conviction, citing overwhelming evidence pointing to several crimes, including attempting against democracy and allegedly plotting a coup.
The trial has also drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump denouncing it as a “witch hunt” and slapping a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian imports.
Trump’s remarks have fueled nationalist responses among Bolsonaro’s allies. In a letter to Lula, Trump said, “the way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace.”
The Supreme Court has scheduled sessions until September 12 to reach a verdict. Bolsonaro’s lawyers may try to negotiate an amnesty in Congress if he is convicted and sentenced.
Meanwhile, Brazilian authorities consider Bolsonaro a potential flight risk, and the Supreme Court has ordered heightened security measures.
The case has brought relations between Brazil and the United States to a low point, with implications for trade and diplomacy between the two countries.