Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has begun testifying in a historic trial at the Supreme Court, accused of masterminding a plot to stage a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election. Bolsonaro and seven associates are facing five counts, including violent abolition of democratic rule and promoting a coup d’état.
The alleged plot involved plans to assassinate or arrest President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before his inauguration in January 2023, as well as Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Bolsonaro’s former aides have already testified, with one cooperating witness claiming the president reviewed and edited a draft of the coup plan.
The trial has drawn widespread attention, with thousands of Bolsonaro supporters storming government buildings in January 2023, just weeks after Lula’s inauguration. The hearings are seen as a pivotal moment in Brazil’s democratic history, marking the first time a former head of state is being tried for attempting to overthrow the government.
If found guilty, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison. Despite denying the charges, he enjoys large political influence in Congress and popularity. The trial has also highlighted the broader ideological conflict between democratic institutions and populist forces in Brazil.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/10/nx-s1-5428548/bolsonaro-brazil-coup-trial