Landmark Trial of Bolsonaro Enters Verdict Phase Amid US Pressure To Drop Prosecution

The landmark trial of Brazil’s right-wing former President Jair Bolsonaro entered its final phase Tuesday with the Supreme Court hearing closing arguments in a case that alleges that the former army officer plotted a coup to remain in power after his 2022 election loss, Reuters reported. 

This phase of the trial will see the panel of five Supreme Court judges deliver a verdict, likely by Sept. 12, the BBC added. The prosecution finished presenting its case in July and the defense wrapped up its arguments mid-August. 

Bolsonaro is accused of leading a criminal organization, attempting to abolish the democratic rule of law, attempting a coup, and two counts of destruction of property.  

He has denied all charges, calling them politically motivated. 

Evidence against Bolsonaro includes a draft of an unpublished presidential decree that would have allowed him to seize emergency powers and take control of Brazil’s top electoral court, overturning election results. Investigators say Bolsonaro edited the document and showed it to the military, but failed to secure unanimous support. 

Prosecutors also accuse Bolsonaro of approving a plan to assassinate the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Justice Alexandre de Moraes. 

This is the first time a former Brazilian president has been charged with trying to subvert the country’s democracy. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison. 

The trial has also drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump, who described the case as a “witch hunt” against his close ally. As a result, Trump imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions on Brazil, including a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods, and revoked the visas of de Moraes and other Supreme Court justices. 

Moraes opened Tuesday’s session with a statement defending the independence of the proceeding from foreign interference, a swipe at Trump, the Washington Post wrote. 

Afterward, he presented an overview of the evidence against Bolsonaro and seven other prominent former officials and military officers, including an admiral, three generals, and a lieutenant colonel who has agreed to a plea deal. 

Deliberations are scheduled to start next week. A simple majority, or three out of five votes, is needed to convict. If any of the defendants are convicted, a second round of voting would decide the sentences. 

Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest and banned from travelling for violating a ban on using social media that was imposed on him ahead of his trial, and because he is considered at risk of fleeing the country. 

The trial has become the dominant topic in Brazil, where millions have tuned in to watch it live. Meanwhile, dozens of people Sunday gathered in front of the former president’s house in the capital, Brasília, to express support, and more protests are expected in the coming days.