Jair Bolsonaro stands trial over the incident that led to the storming of government buildings by supporters, facing serious charges but firmly rejecting coup claims.
Bolsonaro Dismisses Coup Allegations in Court Testimony
Bolsonaro Dismisses Coup Allegations in Court Testimony
Former Brazilian President denies involvement in plot against Lula da Silva
Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro made headlines recently by firmly denying any involvement in an alleged plot to topple the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This marked his first court appearance in relation to the charges stemming from the January 8, 2023, occupation of government buildings in Brasilia by his supporters, which occurred just a week after Lula took office. Bolsonaro, who served as president from 2019 to 2022, labeled the notion of a coup as “abominable,” insisting there was "never even a possibility of a coup" during his administration.
During proceedings, Judge Alexandre de Moraes questioned Bolsonaro about the coup conspiracy allegations. The former leader, now 70, contended that the charges were baseless, asserting, "A coup is an abominable thing." He echoed this sentiment by stating, "Brazil couldn't go through an experience like that," while remarking that he never communicated about a coup with military personnel.
The trial, which commenced in May, includes Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants, all facing multiple serious charges. These charges range from conspiracy to stage a coup to involvement in an armed criminal organization. Many co-defendants have similarly denied the accusations against them.
Bolsonaro, a known supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has continuously undermined the legitimacy of the electronic voting system in Brazil, fueling unfounded claims of electoral fraud even before the 2022 elections, in which he lost narrowly to Lula. Additionally, Bolsonaro's supporters camped outside military barracks for weeks in a misguided effort to persuade the military to prevent Lula’s inauguration. Following the January 8 event, Bolsonaro was out of the country and has consistently distanced himself from the rioters' actions.
Despite being barred from public office until 2030 due to previous allegations related to voter fraud, he remains adamant about contesting that ban, with aspirations aimed at a potential presidential run in 2026. The unfolding legal battle may have significant implications for Bolsonaro's political future and Brazil's democratic landscape.
During proceedings, Judge Alexandre de Moraes questioned Bolsonaro about the coup conspiracy allegations. The former leader, now 70, contended that the charges were baseless, asserting, "A coup is an abominable thing." He echoed this sentiment by stating, "Brazil couldn't go through an experience like that," while remarking that he never communicated about a coup with military personnel.
The trial, which commenced in May, includes Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants, all facing multiple serious charges. These charges range from conspiracy to stage a coup to involvement in an armed criminal organization. Many co-defendants have similarly denied the accusations against them.
Bolsonaro, a known supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has continuously undermined the legitimacy of the electronic voting system in Brazil, fueling unfounded claims of electoral fraud even before the 2022 elections, in which he lost narrowly to Lula. Additionally, Bolsonaro's supporters camped outside military barracks for weeks in a misguided effort to persuade the military to prevent Lula’s inauguration. Following the January 8 event, Bolsonaro was out of the country and has consistently distanced himself from the rioters' actions.
Despite being barred from public office until 2030 due to previous allegations related to voter fraud, he remains adamant about contesting that ban, with aspirations aimed at a potential presidential run in 2026. The unfolding legal battle may have significant implications for Bolsonaro's political future and Brazil's democratic landscape.
