Verdict Looms in Jair Bolsonaro’s Trial for Alleged Coup Plot

The trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is underway, with a verdict expected by the end of the week. Bolsonaro faces serious allegations of plotting to overthrow Brazil’s democratic government after his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. A five-judge panel from the Supreme Court of Brazil is reviewing the evidence and will determine whether he is guilty of these charges.

The proceedings commenced on Tuesday, led by Chief Justice Cristiano Zanin. The judges began by considering final requests from both the prosecution and the defense. The panel is scheduled to reconvene daily until Friday to deliberate further, with two judges already voting for conviction before the session was adjourned.

Bolsonaro is charged with five counts, including attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, and two counts related to the destruction of state property. If convicted on the coup charge alone, he could face a sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Legal experts note that if any justice requests additional time for review, the verdict could be postponed for as long as 90 days, although such an extension is considered unlikely.

The implications of this trial extend beyond Brazil. Bolsonaro has consistently denied the allegations, describing the trial as politically motivated and himself as a victim of a “witch hunt.” This rhetoric mirrors similar claims made by Donald Trump, who has publicly supported Bolsonaro. Trump has also linked the outcome of the trial to a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, indicating that the case could strain US-Brazil relations significantly.

Public sentiment regarding Bolsonaro remains deeply polarized. On Sunday, tens of thousands of his supporters demonstrated across the country, highlighting the ongoing division among the Brazilian populace. This trial, therefore, not only addresses legal matters but also reflects broader societal tensions in Brazil.

As the trial progresses, the stakes remain high for Bolsonaro, who risks a lengthy prison sentence should the court find him guilty. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given its potential impact on diplomatic relations and Brazil’s political landscape.