Bolsonaro’s coup trial nears verdict phase in Brazil’s Supreme Court: What are key things to know? | World News
The verdict and sentencing phase in the coup trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro opens Tuesday at Brazil’s Supreme Court in Brasília. The 70-year-old former leader faces the possibility of more than 30 years in prison for his alleged attempt to cling to power after losing his 2022 reelection bid.
A five-justice panel has until September 12 to deliver a decision, according to the Associated Press.
The case has come into limelight again after US President Donald Trump linked a proposed 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian imports to Bolsonaro’s trial, calling it a “witch hunt.” The remark triggered national backlash across Brazil, including from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
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Bolsonaro, who remains under house arrest and wears an ankle bracelet, has denied wrongdoing and described the trial as politically motivated.
The opening
The trial begins at 9 am local time on September 2, led Justice Criano Zanin, a former lawyer for President Lula and chairman of the panel. None of the two Bolsonaro appointees to the court will sit on this panel.
Zanin is expected to call on Justice Alexandre de Moraes, seen Bolsonaro as a political adversary, who will present a lengthy report summarizing the charges and evidence.
Prosecution and Defense
After de Moraes’ report, Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet will read charges against Bolsonaro, his former aide Mauro Cid, and six other allies. Gonet is expected to speak for about an hour, followed defense lawyers who will have equal time.Story continues below this ad
Mauro Cid, who signed a plea bargain deal, will be represented first. The order for the remaining lawyers will follow the alphabetical ling of defendants’ names.
Defendants include:
Mauro Cid, former aide-de-camp
Alexandre Ramagem, former Intelligence Agency director
Almir Garnier, former Navy commander
Anderson Torres, former Justice Miner
Augusto Heleno, former Institutional Security Cabinet chief
Jair Bolsonaro, former president
Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, former Defense Miner
Walter Braga Netto, former Chief of Staff
The charges
All defendants face five counts, but Bolsonaro is accused of orchestrating the alleged coup attempt.
Attempted coup: Bolsonaro is accused of leading efforts to overturn the 2022 election, including encouraging the January 8, 2023 attacks on government buildings. Max sentence: 12 years.
Armed criminal organisation: Prosecutors allege Bolsonaro led a structured group that plotted violent crimes, including threats against Justice de Moraes. Max sentence: 8 years.
Violent abolition of democratic rule: The group allegedly sought to dismantle Brazil’s democracy. Max sentence: 8 years.
Violent damage to state property: Bolsonaro is accused of directing mobs that trashed the presidential palace, Congress and the Supreme Court, causing $3.7 million in damages. Max sentence: 3 years.
Destruction of cultural heritage: Rioters destroyed a 17th-century clock, paintings, and rare books. Prosecutors say Bolsonaro encouraged encampments outside military bases that fueled the riots. Max sentence: 3 years.
What happens if convicted
After both sides present, each justice on the five-member panel will vote. A simple majority of three votes is enough for conviction.Story continues below this ad
If Bolsonaro or others are found guilty, justices will recommend sentences. Should their recommendations differ, a single justice will calculate an average sentence and fine.
Defendants can appeal to the full 11-member Supreme Court, though appeals will only review specific rulings rather than retry the entire case.
If upheld, Bolsonaro would serve his sentence, but not in a regular prison. As a former Army captain, he qualifies for special incarceration, likely at an Army facility or the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília.
(With inputs from AP)
