Bolsonaro Faces Conviction in Brazil Supreme Court Coup Plot Trial

Brazil’s Supreme Court moved closer to convicting former President Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly leading a criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2022 presidential election. On Tuesday, Justices Alexandre de Moraes and Flavio Dino cast the first votes in favor of convicting Bolsonaro on charges that include organizing a coup, leading a criminal organization, attempting to abolish democracy, and inciting riots.

The case stems from a federal police investigation that uncovered an alleged plot to keep Bolsonaro in power after his defeat to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Evidence cited in the trial includes plans to poison Lula and his running mate, along with Bolsonaro’s role in encouraging the January 2023 riots, when his supporters stormed Congress, the presidential palace, and the Supreme Court in Brasilia.

Justice Moraes, who oversaw the 2022 elections and was reportedly a target of the coup plan, called Bolsonaro the “leader of the criminal organization” while voting to convict on all counts. Dino, Lula’s former justice minister, also voted for conviction. The five-judge panel, now one vote away from majority, will continue deliberations with Justices Luiz Fux, Carmen Lucia, and Cristiano Zanin.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers deny all charges, arguing the trial is politically motivated. The former president is already barred from running for office until 2030. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison, though allies believe a future administration could grant him amnesty or pardon.

The trial has polarized Brazilian politics and drawn international attention. Bolsonaro’s allies, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have criticized Justice Moraes and labeled the case a “witch hunt.” Meanwhile, São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, a Bolsonaro ally, has urged Congress to consider amnesty, signaling his potential role as Bolsonaro’s political successor.