BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — A panel of Supreme Court justices is poised to decide this week whether former President Jair Bolsonaro is guilty of conspiring to undermine Brazil's democracy following his 2022 electoral loss.
Facing five counts at trial, Bolsonaro has been accused of plotting a coup after losing to the current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The implications of the verdict are substantial; if found guilty, Bolsonaro could be sentenced to long years in prison.
Bolsonaro has consistently denied any misconduct, labeling the proceedings a political witch hunt. As the trial unfolds, a group of his staunch supporters gathered outside his home, praying and vocally criticizing the presiding judge, while urging lawmakers to grant amnesty to the former president.
The Prosecutor-General highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, claiming Bolsonaro orchestrated a multifaceted scheme aimed at maintaining power, including plans to discredit Brazil's electronic voting system.
In response, Bolsonaro's defense attorney argued that no concrete actions were taken against democracy, emphasizing that planning does not equal execution.
Bolsonaro has called himself a victim of a targeted campaign, echoing sentiments he shares with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is closely observing the situation in Brazil.
The trial concludes with jurors voting on Bolsonaro's fate, requiring a majority to convict. With charges ranging from coup attempts to damaging state property, a guilty verdict could impose a heavy penalty, deeply affecting Brazil's political dynamics.
This trial marks a significant moment in Brazil, bringing high-ranking officials’ alleged anti-democratic actions to the judicial forefront. Observers note that the outcome could have broad implications for Brazil's relationships on the international stage, particularly with the United States.
