Sustainable process: Ex-President Bolsonaro in Brazil before historical judgment

In Brazil, the trial against former President Jair Bolsonaro goes to the decisive final phase before the Supreme Court. The institutions showed “their strength and resilience”, said the senior judge Alexandre de Moraes at the beginning of the judgment in the historical court proceedings. Bolsonaro and seven co -accused are accused of an attempted coup d’état after the election in 2022. It is the first time in the history of the South American country that an ex-president could be convicted of a suspected attempt to overthrow. The 70-year-old stayed away for health reasons, as his lawyer explained. The safety precautions were tightened in the capital of Brasília.

Process of the judgment

First, Moraes reads the report of the Attorney General and then appears. Then the five judges of the first chamber coordinate. A majority of three votes are sufficient for a conviction. Five days of meeting are scheduled until September 12th. A judgment could be made at the end of next week.

In the event of a conviction, Bolsonaro threatens up to 43 years in prison. Because of his age and health problems after an assassination attempt, a punishment in the house arrest could be served. Since the process is conducted before the Supreme Court (STF), there is no higher instance. However, limited appeals are possible within the STF, for example in the event of formal ambiguities or non -unanimous judgments. In the event of at least two different voices, a review of individual disputes could be requested again in the plenary.

Co -accused from the military and government

Bolsonaro is said to have planned a coup attempt against the government of his left successor Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva together with the military and allies. On January 8, 2023, followers Bolsonaros stormed the congress, the Supreme Court and the Presidential Palace shortly after Lula took office. The ex-president rejects all allegations. His lawyers speak of missing evidence.

In addition to Bolsonaro, former cabinet members and high-ranking military, including ex-defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, former marine lawyer Almir Garnier and Bolsonaros of then security consultant Augusto Heleno. You will be charged up to five crimes – including attempted coupons, participation in armed criminal association and the damage to listed goods.

US President Trump as a supporter

Bolsonaro’s legal arguments also affect the relationship with the United States. US President Donald Trump is considered a close supporter of Bolsonaros, who also acquired the nickname “Tropen-Trump” during his previous term. In response to the law enforcement of the Brazilian, Trump recently imposed tariffs from 50 percent to numerous Brazilian products.

Bolsonaro has been in the house arrest since the beginning of August for violations and is monitored around the clock due to the risk of escape.