Brazil : Fate OF Ex-President Bolsonaro In The Balance

The trial of former Brazilian President, Jair Bolsonaro accused of masterminding an attempt to stay in power after losing his bid for re-election in 2022, entered its verdict and sentencing stage on September 2. 2025. A panel of five Supreme Court judges is expected to reach a verdict by September 12, 2025. The former President and seven others have been charged with leading an armed criminal organization, attempting the violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, an attempted coup, damage to federal property, and the deterioration of listed heritage. These accusations date back to before his supporters stormed government buildings on January 8, 2023 in the capital, Brasília.
Jair Bolsonaro is also accused of calling a meeting with top commanders of the armed forces in December 2022, in which he allegedly presented them with a proposed coup plan and asked them to join. The army and air force commanders refused, but Navy Commander Almir Garnier Santos a co-defendant in the trial expressed support, according to police. The commander has denied the allegations. BBC reports that if convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 40 years in prison. 
Mr Bolsonaro is already banned from running for re-election in Brazil's next elections in 2026 after using social media and State television to cast doubt on Brazil's electoral system and electronic voting machines without evidence. Police say after an extensive investigation, they found that he and other offi...