Brazil's Supreme Court unanimously ruled in March 2025 that former President Jair Bolsonaro must stand trial on five criminal counts related to an alleged plot to stage a coup and prevent the democratic transition of power after his 2022 election loss.
Charges include attempting to violently abolish democratic rule of law. The court reviewed evidence including footage of the January 8, 2023, riots, which prosecutors link to Bolsonaro's efforts to discredit the election. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison. This significant legal step follows a prior ruling barring him from office until 2030 for abuse of power and spreading election misinformation. The court's relatively swift decision underscores the gravity of the charges and a determination to address alleged threats to Brazil's democracy.
Source: Daily Maverick