Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro faces trial for allegedly orchestrating a coup attempt against current President Lula, while simultaneously claiming he’s the target of a political witch hunt designed to keep him out of the 2026 election.
At a Glance
- Brazil’s Supreme Court unanimously voted for Bolsonaro to stand trial on coup charges
- Bolsonaro could face years in prison if convicted of attempting to prevent Lula’s inauguration
- Seven other former government officials are also recommended for trial as “co-conspirators”
- Investigators allege the plot included plans to poison Lula and assassinate a Supreme Court justice
- Bolsonaro is already barred from running for public office until 2030 for spreading election misinformation
The Charges Against Bolsonaro
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will stand trial for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup against current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Supreme Court’s five-member panel unanimously determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial. If found guilty, the 70-year-old former leader could face years in prison. The decision represents a significant development in Brazil’s ongoing political turmoil following the contentious 2022 presidential election.
The case centers on allegations that Bolsonaro led a “criminal organization” aimed at keeping himself in power despite losing the election to Lula in October 2022. Bolsonaro never publicly acknowledged his defeat. The charges are linked to the January 8, 2023 riots when his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia. Investigators claim this was not merely a spontaneous protest but part of a coordinated coup attempt.
Co-Conspirators and Alleged Plot
Seven other former government officials, described by investigators as “co-conspirators,” are also recommended for trial. These include former spy chief Alexandre Ramagem and former navy commander Admiral Almir Garnier Santos. The scope of the alleged conspiracy extends beyond just preventing Lula’s inauguration. According to Brazil’s federal police investigation, the plot allegedly included plans to poison Lula and assassinate Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is leading this case.
Brazil’s Attorney-General has accused Bolsonaro of leading the criminal organization with the explicit purpose of overthrowing Lula. The investigation’s report claims Bolsonaro not only planned but was fully aware of the coup attempt. While the riots occurred on January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro was in the United States at that time and has consistently denied any links to the rioters or knowledge of their plans.
Bolsonaro’s Defense and Political Future
Bolsonaro has vehemently denied all accusations, calling the charges “grave and baseless.” He rejects claims that he tried to block Lula’s inauguration and alleges this is simply “political persecution” designed to prevent him from running for president in 2026. The Supreme Court’s decision comes as another significant obstacle for Bolsonaro, who is already barred from running for public office until 2030 due to false claims he made about Brazil’s electronic voting system.
The trial represents a critical moment in Brazil’s political landscape. If found guilty, Bolsonaro would be effectively removed from Brazilian politics for the foreseeable future. His supporters view the proceedings as politically motivated, while opponents see them as necessary accountability for threats to democratic institutions. The outcome will likely shape Brazil’s political trajectory leading into the 2026 presidential election and could have far-reaching implications for the country’s democracy.
