Brazil’s Supreme Court issued an order on Wednesday for former President Jair Bolsonaro to stand trial on charges of plotting a coup following his 2022 election defeat.
The justices unanimously agreed to accept the charges, which include conspiracy to assassinate current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and a Supreme Court judge, as well as attempting to violently overthrow the democratic government. A week after Lula took office, mods of Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed the Supreme Court, presidential palace, and Congress building in Brasilia.
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Bolsonaro and seven of his close allies will stand trial on charges including attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, damage characterized by violence, serious threat against the state’s assets, and deterioration of listed heritage.
Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet highlighted that the coup plot was thwarted only by a lack of support from military leadership.
“Frustration overwhelmed the members of the criminal organization who, however, did not give up on the violent seizure of power, not even after the elected president of the republic was sworn in,” Gonet said.
If convicted, Bolsonaro, who has denied any wrongdoing and claims to be a victim of political persecution, could face a prison sentence of over 40 years.
The ruling marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political history as it is the first time an ex-president faces such serious charges since the country’s return to democracy.
For more about the political situation in Brazil, check out this exclusive interview between Patrick Bet-David and Jair Bosonaro himself, just hours before the former president was indicted. Get Bolsonaro’s side of the story, learn about the corrupt inner workings of the Brazilian government, and much, much more.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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