BRASILIA, Brazil — Jair Bolsonaro, the former president, is under scrutiny in a significant Supreme Court trial as he faces allegations of orchestrating a coup following his defeat in the 2022 election. This historic trial marks the first instance in Brazil’s history where a former head of state is being prosecuted for an attempt to undermine the democratic process.
Bolsonaro, alongside seven former associates, stands accused of devising a scheme to retain power after losing to leftist candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The case centers on allegations of a plot that included plans to arrest or assassinate Lula, as well as targeting key political figures, including Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Dubbed “Operation Green and Yellow Dagger,” the operation reportedly involved coordinated communications via encrypted messages and meticulous surveillance of targeted individuals.
The trial has uncovered ties to the riots on January 8, 2023, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings, demanding a military coup just after Lula’s inauguration. Testimonies from military and political leaders have been ongoing for over two weeks, with high-profile witnesses — including former military officials — scheduled to testify. Witness accounts are expected to shed light on the depth of the alleged conspiracy.
Federal investigators brought the allegations to prominence in November 2024, when they released an extensive report detailing a sophisticated effort to dismantle Brazil’s democratic institutions. The eight defendants, referred to as “Nucleus 1,” are charged with multiple counts, including the violent overthrow of the government and inciting a coup d’état. This group consists of several of Bolsonaro’s former ministers.
Among the witnesses, Army Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, a former aide and now key whistleblower, has claimed that Bolsonaro played a direct role in drafting the coup plans, revealing that he reviewed and suggested alterations to the documents. Another witness, Alexandre Ramagem, former head of Brazil’s Intelligence Agency, denied accusations of unlawful surveillance against officials involved in the investigation.
The courtroom atmosphere is charged, as Justice de Moraes leads the proceedings. He has faced criticism from Bolsonaro and his supporters, including international figures for his stringent approach to misinformation and his management of the trials. The ongoing conflict is not merely one of legal ramifications; it represents a broader ideological battle between established democratic norms and rising populist sentiments.
This trial is viewed as a crucial juncture in Brazil’s political history, especially so soon after the military dictatorship that lasted two decades post-1964. The implications of these hearings are profound, casting a spotlight on the dynamic between Bolsonaro’s political influence and Brazil’s democratic equilibrium.
Despite being barred from holding office until 2030, Bolsonaro maintains significant sway within Congress and retains a base of popular support. Should he be convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 40 years. He has consistently denied the charges and maintains that he is not preparing for prison, asserting confidence in his innocence.
