Bolsonaro, who served from 2019 to 2022, labeled the notion of a coup as "abominable," stating emphatically: "There was never even a possibility of a coup in my government." He is currently facing trial alongside seven alleged co-conspirators due to the storming of government buildings by his supporters on January 8, 2023, shortly after Lula's inauguration.
The former leader's remarks were made before Judge Alexandre de Moraes, where he stressed the absence of any discussions regarding a coup involving military commanders during his presidency. “Brazil couldn’t go through an experience like that,” he continued, underlining his commitment to democratic processes.
Bolsonaro's legal troubles arise after he lost the presidential election to Lula in late 2022, which he disputed with unsubstantiated claims of election fraud related to electronic voting machines, claims the prosecution argues began as early as 2021 to lay groundwork for contesting a potential loss. Despite facing serious allegations, including staging a coup and being part of an armed criminal organization, Bolsonaro maintains his innocence, with all co-defendants similarly rejecting the charges.
As the trial progresses, Bolsonaro stands accused of multiple serious offenses, carrying potential decades-long prison sentences if convicted. He has been vocal about his intentions to fight a ruling barring him from future elections until 2030, stating his plans to seek a second presidential term in 2026.
Throughout his presidency, Bolsonaro has aligned himself with right-wing populism, drawing inspiration from figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, and has remained a polarizing figure within Brazilian politics.
The former leader's remarks were made before Judge Alexandre de Moraes, where he stressed the absence of any discussions regarding a coup involving military commanders during his presidency. “Brazil couldn’t go through an experience like that,” he continued, underlining his commitment to democratic processes.
Bolsonaro's legal troubles arise after he lost the presidential election to Lula in late 2022, which he disputed with unsubstantiated claims of election fraud related to electronic voting machines, claims the prosecution argues began as early as 2021 to lay groundwork for contesting a potential loss. Despite facing serious allegations, including staging a coup and being part of an armed criminal organization, Bolsonaro maintains his innocence, with all co-defendants similarly rejecting the charges.
As the trial progresses, Bolsonaro stands accused of multiple serious offenses, carrying potential decades-long prison sentences if convicted. He has been vocal about his intentions to fight a ruling barring him from future elections until 2030, stating his plans to seek a second presidential term in 2026.
Throughout his presidency, Bolsonaro has aligned himself with right-wing populism, drawing inspiration from figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, and has remained a polarizing figure within Brazilian politics.
