Former President Jair Bolsonaro faces coup-related charges, denying any involvement while emphasizing his commitment to democratic principles.
Bolsonaro Claims No Wrongdoing in Coup Allegations, Stands Trial
Bolsonaro Claims No Wrongdoing in Coup Allegations, Stands Trial
Jair Bolsonaro asserts innocence amidst serious allegations surrounding Brazil's political turmoil.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has publicly denied any role in an alleged conspiracy to unseat current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. During his court appearance, Bolsonaro characterized the notion of a coup as "abominable" and insisted that there was never any intent or discussion of a coup during his administration from 2019 to 2022.
The 70-year-old, along with seven others accused, is on trial for their roles leading up to the unprecedented storming of governmental buildings by his supporters in Brasilia on January 8, 2023, just a week after Lula's inauguration. If found guilty, Bolsonaro faces a potential prison sentence of several decades, yet he continues to reject the charges leveled against him.
In response to questions from Judge Alexandre de Moraes about the coup allegations, Bolsonaro stated that the accusations lack merit. He declared, "On my part, on the part of military commanders, there has never been talk of a coup," reiterating that Brazil would never endure such turmoil under his leadership.
Bolsonaro's defeat in the 2022 presidential race to Lula reportedly fueled his supporters' claims of election fraud, particularly concerning Brazil's electronic voting systems. While he asserted that his skepticism is shared among others, he maintained that his actions were constitutionally permissible.
As the sixth defendant to testify in the ongoing trial, which commenced in May, Bolsonaro and the seven co-defendants face five charges including coup conspiracy and involvement in armed criminal activities. Most accused have similarly refuted the claims against them.
Bolsonaro, known for his military background and admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump, has not formally conceded his electoral defeat in October 2022. Following his loss, many of his supporters rallied outside military barracks, urging military intervention against Lula's ascension.
During the January riots, Bolsonaro was away in the United States, and he has consistently distanced himself from the actions of the rioters. However, he has been barred from holding public office until 2030 due to his allegations about the electoral system's integrity. Despite this ban, he has expressed his intent to challenge it and aims to run for presidency in the next election in 2026.
