Brazilian ex-President Bolsonaro ordered to stand trial over alleged coup plan
A panel of justices on Brazil’s Supreme Court made a significant decision on Wednesday by accepting charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro for an alleged attempt to stay in office after his 2022 election defeat. The justices ordered Bolsonaro and 33 others to stand trial for their involvement in a coup plot that included a plan to poison his successor, current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and even kill a Supreme Court judge.
Bolsonaro has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and claims that he is a victim of political persecution. Despite his protests, all five justices ruled in favor of accepting the charges brought forth by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. The charges include attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, damage characterized by violence and a serious threat to the state’s assets, and deterioration of listed heritage.
If convicted of a coup, Bolsonaro could face up to 12 years in prison. When combined with the other charges, the former president could potentially be looking at decades behind bars. Justice Flávio Dino emphasized the seriousness of coup attempts, stating that “coups kill” regardless of when they occur.
Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet detailed how the accused individuals were determined to keep Bolsonaro in power at any cost. The plot allegedly involved plans to eliminate Lula and Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who were under surveillance by the conspirators. Fortunately, the plan did not come to fruition as the army’s commander did not support the scheme at the last minute.
The failed coup attempt was marked by a violent riot on Jan. 8, 2023, when Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia. Justice Alexandre de Moraes described the events as a “very violent coup attempt” with a call for military intervention in the coup d’état.
In addition to Bolsonaro, his running mate, former Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto, ex-Justice Minister Anderson Torres, and others will also stand trial. Bolsonaro, a former military officer with ties to Brazil’s past dictatorship, openly challenged the country’s judicial system during his time in office from 2019 to 2022.
The Supreme Court’s decision to move forward with the trial underscores the commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law in Brazil. As the legal proceedings progress, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape.
