Jair Bolsonaro faces lengthy prison sentence for alleged coup attempt
- The trial against Jair Bolsonaro has begun in Brazil's Supreme Court, addressing serious charges against him.
- He faces multiple allegations related to an attempted coup and leading a criminal organization following his 2022 election loss.
- The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how former leaders are held accountable in Brazil.
Brazil's Supreme Court commenced a critical trial involving former President Jair Bolsonaro on September 2, 2025. Accused of leading a conspiracy to stay in power after his loss in the 2022 elections, Bolsonaro faces serious charges including attempting to stage a coup and leading an armed criminal organization. His trial marks a historic moment as it is among the first instances in Brazil’s modern democracy where a former president is held criminally accountable for such actions. With maximum penalties potentially exceeding 30 years in prison, the court's decision could influence Brazil's political landscape moving forward. The trial reflects broader issues regarding accountability within Brazil’s political system, particularly in the context of previous military rule and ongoing concerns about democracy in the country. This unprecedented case has galvanized significant national attention and scrutiny, as it could redefine the relationship between Brazil's judiciary and former heads of state.