The first of five Supreme Court justices who will decide the fate of the former Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, has found the ex-leader guilty of plotting a coup.
But Bolsonaro will only be convicted if at least three out of the five justices find him guilty.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes said there was 'no doubt' that there had been a coup attempt after Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Moraes also said that Bolsonaro had led the 'criminal organization' which he alleged was behind the attempted coup. Bolsonaro has denied all the charges.
If convicted, Bolsonaro - who governed Brazil from January 2019 to December 2022 - could face a lengthy sentence of more than 40 years in prison.
The charges against Bolsonaro are extremely serious, and Justice Moraes did not hold back in the summary of his decision.
The former president and his seven co-defendants - some of whom are top military officers - stand accused of trying to prevent President-elect Lula from taking up office. They have also denied the charges.
Speaking in court, Justice Moraes presented evidence suggesting a plot to kill Lula and key officials, detailing a document that highlighted plans devised within the Brazilian government.
The situation escalated with a large-scale attack on Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace on 8 January 2023, which followed Lula's inauguration. Over 1,500 people were arrested as order was restored.
Moraes indicated that Brazil was on the brink of returning to authoritarianism, emphasizing the need for a decisive judicial response to protect democracy.
While Bolsonaro's lawyers claim he is suffering from health issues that prevent him from participating in his defense, the case has created a significant divide among the Brazilian populace regarding legal fairness and the integrity of the institutions involved.
But Bolsonaro will only be convicted if at least three out of the five justices find him guilty.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes said there was 'no doubt' that there had been a coup attempt after Bolsonaro lost the 2022 presidential election to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Moraes also said that Bolsonaro had led the 'criminal organization' which he alleged was behind the attempted coup. Bolsonaro has denied all the charges.
If convicted, Bolsonaro - who governed Brazil from January 2019 to December 2022 - could face a lengthy sentence of more than 40 years in prison.
The charges against Bolsonaro are extremely serious, and Justice Moraes did not hold back in the summary of his decision.
The former president and his seven co-defendants - some of whom are top military officers - stand accused of trying to prevent President-elect Lula from taking up office. They have also denied the charges.
Speaking in court, Justice Moraes presented evidence suggesting a plot to kill Lula and key officials, detailing a document that highlighted plans devised within the Brazilian government.
The situation escalated with a large-scale attack on Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace on 8 January 2023, which followed Lula's inauguration. Over 1,500 people were arrested as order was restored.
Moraes indicated that Brazil was on the brink of returning to authoritarianism, emphasizing the need for a decisive judicial response to protect democracy.
While Bolsonaro's lawyers claim he is suffering from health issues that prevent him from participating in his defense, the case has created a significant divide among the Brazilian populace regarding legal fairness and the integrity of the institutions involved.
