Brazil: Former President Bolsonaro Faces Trial for Alleged Coup Attempt

The Supreme Court of Brazil unanimously decided to send former president Jair Bolsonaro to trial on charges of attempting a coup. Now, Bolsonaro faces a potential lengthy prison sentence, while his hopes of returning to Brazilian politics and power are fading. This decision is of historical significance for a country still grappling with memories of its military dictatorship from 1964-85. The far-right ex-president (2019-22), who was not present in the courtroom, described himself as a victim of the ‘largest political-judicial persecution in Brazil’s history.’ Nostalgic for the era of the junta, the former army captain, now 70 years old, is accused by prosecutors of being the ‘leader’ of a ‘criminal organization’ that plotted a conspiracy to remain in power ‘by any means’ after losing the 2022 elections to left-wing candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. According to federal police, after his electoral defeat, alleged conspirators planned to issue a decree calling for new elections. They also allegedly plotted the assassinations of Lula, elected vice president Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes. The charges against Bolsonaro are severe: coup attempt, attempted violent overthrow of the democratic state, and formation of an armed criminal organization. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face over 40 years in prison, though he is expected to remain free until his trial. Experts estimate that Bolsonaro will be brought to court before the end of the year, as 2026 is an election year. Bolsonaro has lost his right to run for office until 2030 due to attacks on electronic voting systems but hopes this decision will be overturned so he can run again in the 2026 presidential elections. If convicted for conspiracy against democracy, his hopes will fade, and his party will need to select a successor as Lula’s popularity wanes amid high inflation. Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who views Bolsonaro as a ‘dictator,’ was the first to vote ‘yes’ on the proposal to send him to trial. Despite defense attempts to disqualify Morae and two other judges due to personal interest, all were rejected. Other alleged co-conspirators, including several former ministers, Bolsonaro’s 2022 vice-presidential candidate, and a former naval commander, have also been referred to trial. Prosecutors argue that the coup was thwarted because it lacked support from other branches of Brazil’s armed forces. Evidence includes the January 8, 2023, storming of the Supreme Court, Congress, and Presidential Palace in Brasília by thousands of Bolsonaro supporters demanding military intervention and alleging electoral fraud.