The trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has officially begun, centered on accusations that he orchestrated a coup attempt and led a “criminal organisation” to challenge the outcome of the October 2022 presidential election.
This election saw Bolsonaro narrowly defeated by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The Supreme Court is now hearing critical testimony from senior military and political leaders, a process expected to last two weeks, to determine Bolsonaro’s role in the alleged plot.
The trial marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political history.
Bolsonaro, who served from 2019 to 2022 and is a former army captain, faces the possibility of up to 40 years in prison if found guilty of these serious charges.
The trial centers on accusations that Bolsonaro schemed to undermine Brazil’s democratic election process.
It involves extensive testimonies from military and political figures and explores multiple legal consequences depending on the verdict.