In a highly anticipated appearance, Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil, presented himself before the nation’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, refuting any involvement in a supposed plot to subvert power and invalidate the results of the 2022 presidential election. These allegations, if proven, could result in a long prison sentence for the former leader.
As the trial garnered widespread interest, with numerous Brazilians following the proceedings online, it comes against the backdrop of the unsettling January 2023 incident where Brazil’s Supreme Court, Congress, and presidential palace were violently attacked. Bolsonaro, during his testimony, characterized those involved in the unrest as “crazy,” rejecting the notion that they were attempting a coup.
Displaying a composed demeanor, Bolsonaro, alongside seven allies, faced scrutiny from a judicial panel regarding accusations they orchestrated a plan to keep him in power after his electoral defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Spearheaded by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the panel expedited the hearings, wrapping up testimony ahead of schedule, with sentencing anticipated later in the year.
Bolsonaro asserted in his testimony, “There was never any talk of a coup. A coup is an abominable thing. Brazil couldn’t go through an experience like that.” He admitted to discussing “possibilities” with the military post-election but claimed these discussions stayed within constitutional limitations, declining to elaborate further.
His session, lasting just over two hours, included moments of unexpected levity, exemplifying a relaxed dynamic with Justice de Moraes despite the gravity of the accusations, which encompass potential charges of coup plotting, armed organization involvement, and damaging public property.
A conviction related to an attempted coup could lead to a prison sentence of up to 12 years, while additional charges might multiply this term significantly. Bolsonaro has steadfastly denied all allegations, framing them as politically motivated attacks. When questioned about the validity of these accusations, he stated matter-of-factly, “The accusation does not hold, your excellency.”
Both Bolsonaro and his legal team argue that even contemplating a “state of siege” was never feasible, given the lack of opportunities or support, emphasizing there was “no environment” or “minimally solid base” for such actions.
Included among the eight defendants are former high-ranking officials like Bolsonaro’s erstwhile running mate Walter Braga Netto and former defense leaders. The trial has seen past testimonies from various individuals, with more to follow as the proceedings unfold.
Among the revealing statements was that of former aide Mauro Cid, who, under a plea deal, informed the court of Bolsonaro’s involvement in editing a document aimed at annulling the election. He also disclosed Bolsonaro’s refusal to dismantle protest camps seeking military intervention post-election.
Former Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira admitted advising Bolsonaro to concede the election publicly, which he claims went unheeded. Nogueira described the January riots as a fundamentally peaceful protest that devolved into chaos.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet has controversially alleged that this unrest formed a component of a conspiracy to overturn election results, suggesting plans to assassinate key figures such as Lula and Justice de Moraes. However, according to Gonet, the plot faltered as military leaders refrained from participating.
Bolsonaro, addressing these claims, stated he only became aware of “Green and Yellow Dagger,” the purported plot’s code name, through media reports. “If it had been proposed, in my view, it would have been rejected,” he assured.
His former deputy, Braga Netto, speaking from incarceration, claimed ignorance of any documents outlining this alleged treachery.
Bolsonaro, once notorious for verbal confrontations with Brazil’s judicial system during his presidency, had his electoral ambitions curtailed until 2030 following a separate ruling tied to abuses of power and his derogatory remarks about the electoral system.
Experts have termed the trial a pivotal moment in Brazilian history, particularly with Brazil’s constitution relatively recent in its implementation. Legal scholar Thiago Bottino sees it as landmark litigation emphasizing due process and accountability for accusations as serious as attempted coups.
After his court appearance, Bolsonaro took to social media, reaffirming his openness and integrity during testimony. “I did not request to be silent. I didn’t look for excuses. I answered every question with transparency and conviction,” he proclaimed, signaling aspirations for a political comeback despite current legal hindrances.
Though currently disqualified from the 2026 elections, further judicial determinations could extend his disqualification, potentially reshaping Brazil’s political landscape.