NextFin news, Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is standing trial this week in Brasília, Brazil, accused of orchestrating a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The trial, held before the Supreme Federal Court (STF), involves Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants facing charges including leading an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of democratic rule, and damage to federal property.
The trial entered its final phase this week, with the STF's First Panel expected to announce a verdict by next Friday, September 12, 2025. If convicted on all counts, Bolsonaro could face a combined prison sentence exceeding 40 years. The charges stem from investigations into events leading up to and including the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings by Bolsonaro supporters.
Bolsonaro, 70, has denied all allegations and did not attend the court sessions this week, citing health issues related to a stabbing attack he suffered during the 2018 campaign. His defense lawyers argue the charges are politically motivated and claim there is no direct evidence linking him to the coup plot. One of the co-defendants, former aide Mauro Cid, has signed a plea deal and is providing evidence against Bolsonaro.
Since August 4, Bolsonaro has been under house arrest at his Brasília residence, a measure ordered by STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes amid ongoing investigations into obstruction of justice and coercion related to the coup allegations.
Meanwhile, political developments in Brasília have seen Bolsonaro's allies and some Centrão party members pushing for a legislative amnesty for those involved in the January 8 acts and related investigations. São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, a potential 2026 presidential candidate, has publicly supported granting Bolsonaro an immediate pardon if elected. However, opposition parties, including the Workers' Party (PT), have opposed any amnesty, viewing it as interference with the judiciary.
Legal experts note that even if Bolsonaro is convicted, he is unlikely to be imprisoned immediately. The execution of any sentence would await the exhaustion of all appeals, a process that could take months. Given his age and health, Bolsonaro may continue under house arrest or receive special detention conditions if incarceration becomes necessary.
The trial is widely regarded as one of the most consequential in Brazil's recent history, addressing allegations of attempts to undermine the country's democratic institutions following a contentious election.
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