In a historic decision, Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro will face trial over his alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt to cling to power.
The ruling comes after an investigation revealed a conspiracy by Bolsonaro and several of his allies to overthrow the democratically elected government and reinstate the ex-president.
Bolsonaro, who served as Brazil’s leader from 2019 until the end of 2022, is accused of orchestrating a violent attempt to seize power following his narrow defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election.
The court’s ruling has left the far-right politician facing the possibility of more than 40 years in prison.
Alongside Bolsonaro, seven of his close allies are also set to stand trial for their involvement in the alleged coup plot.
Among the accused are former defense ministers, security chiefs, and military officials, including Gen. Walter Braga Netto, Gen. Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira, and Adm. Almir Garnier Santos.
These men are charged with offenses ranging from involvement in an armed criminal organization to attempting to violently dismantle Brazil’s democracy.
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The charges stem from the chaotic events of January 8, 2023, when violent riots erupted in Brazil’s capital, Brasília.
Supporters of Bolsonaro stormed government buildings, including the Supreme Court, in a bid to force a military intervention to undo Lula’s election victory.
The violence left police officers injured and caused extensive damage to Brazil’s democratic institutions.
The Supreme Court judges unanimously agreed that there was enough evidence to proceed with the trials.
In an emotional address, Judge Alexandre de Moraes described the events as a “pivotal battle” and a “violent coup attempt” that threatened the very fabric of Brazil’s democracy.
He emphasized the severity of the crimes, highlighting the brutal attacks on the Supreme Court and police officers.
Bolsonaro, who has denied all charges, responded by accusing the judiciary of politically persecuting him to end his political career.
He claims the ruling is part of an effort to prevent him from ever running for president again, calling it an attack on Brazil’s right-wing opposition and its democracy.
