Brazilian Ex-President Bolsonaro Ordered to Stand Trial Over Alleged Coup Plan

Brazil’s Supreme Court has delivered a historic ruling, ordering former President Jair Bolsonaro to stand trial over allegations of a coup attempt following his 2022 election loss. The charges, brought forth by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, accuse Bolsonaro and 33 others of plotting to overthrow the government, with plans that allegedly included poisoning his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and assassinating a Supreme Court justice.

The unanimous decision by all five justices underscores the gravity of the accusations. Seven of Bolsonaro’s close allies are also set to face trial for charges ranging from attempting to stage a coup to involvement in an armed criminal organization. These allegations paint a dark picture of a plot aimed at destabilizing Brazil’s democratic framework.

Bolsonaro, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claims political persecution. His legal team has yet to respond to the court’s decision. If convicted, the former president could face significant jail time, with a coup conviction alone carrying a sentence of up to 12 years. When compounded with other charges, Bolsonaro may be looking at decades behind bars.

Justice Flávio Dino delivered a stark warning during his ruling, stating, "Coups kill. It doesn’t matter if it happens today, the following month, or a few years later." The prosecutor-general revealed that the alleged conspirators were relentless in their efforts to keep Bolsonaro in power, even after his electoral defeat. The plot reportedly included surveillance of both Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. However, the plan faltered when the accused failed to secure the support of the army commander.

The aftermath of the 2022 election took a violent turn on January 8, 2023, when Bolsonaro’s fervent supporters stormed Brazil’s Supreme Court, presidential palace, and Congress, leaving a trail of destruction. Justice de Moraes described the incident as "a very violent coup attempt" and shared video footage of the chaos during the court session.

Other key figures implicated in the case include Bolsonaro’s running mate Walter Braga Netto, former Defense Minister Anderson Torres, and aide-de-camp Mauro Cid. While the court has decided Bolsonaro’s fate, the trials for the others accused remain pending.

Bolsonaro’s presidency, marked by frequent clashes with the judiciary, has left a legacy of division. As a former military officer with a penchant for reminiscing about Brazil’s dictatorship era, his actions and rhetoric have long raised concerns about his commitment to democracy. This trial could be a reckoning moment for both Bolsonaro and Brazil, as the nation grapples with the fallout of these explosive allegations.