The trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro commenced on Tuesday, with the Supreme Court panel poised to reach a verdict this week regarding his alleged attempt to undermine the country’s democracy following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.
Supreme Court proceedings and charges against Bolsonaro
The panel, led by Chairman Cristiano Zanin and comprised of five judges, began the session by reviewing final motions from both sides. The court is scheduled to convene daily until Friday, as it deliberates on the serious allegations against the far-right ex-president, who is not present during the hearings.
Bolsonaro faces five distinct charges, including conspiracy to orchestrate a coup, stemming from his narrow loss to the current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a leftist leader who previously held office two decades ago. During the initial proceedings, two judges indicated a preference for conviction before the court adjourned until Wednesday, with three more justices yet to cast their votes.
Political implications and public reaction
In defense of his actions, Bolsonaro has consistently labeled the charges as politically motivated, portraying himself as a victim of a “witch hunt,” a term often used by his ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump. The ongoing trial has attracted international attention, particularly from the U.S., where Trump has linked a significant tariff on Brazilian exports to the outcome of Bolsonaro’s legal challenges, indicating that the trial’s results could escalate tensions between the two nations.
“A guilty verdict is widely expected to trigger a major crisis between the two countries,” analysts warn.
This situation has polarized Brazilian society, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of Bolsonaro supporters who gathered in protest on Sunday, underscoring the deep divisions within the country. The charges against Bolsonaro include attempting to incite a coup, participation in an armed criminal organization, attempts to violently dismantle the democratic order, and two counts related to the destruction of state property. Should he be convicted of the coup plot charge alone, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years.
While there is a possibility that the verdict could be postponed for up to 90 days if a justice requests additional review, legal experts have indicated that such an outcome is improbable.