Bolsonaro's Legal Battle: Shadows of a Coup

Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro faces potential trial for conspiracy to overthrow the government after losing the 2022 election. If convicted, he might receive a 20-year prison sentence. Bolsonaro challenges the credibility of Brazil's electoral process and rallies supporters to push for leniency amidst his legal woes.

In a dramatic turn of events, a judge from Brazil's Supreme Court has voted for former President Jair Bolsonaro to stand trial on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government following his 2022 election defeat. The move signals potential severe legal repercussions for the controversial political figure, who may face a two-decade prison sentence if convicted.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes spearheaded the session by presenting striking visuals of Bolsonaro's followers engaging in violent acts at government edifices, a rebellion that occurred shortly after Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office in January 2023. Bolsonaro faces accusations of spearheading five serious crimes, including attempting to dismantle democratic governance and orchestrating a coup d'etat.

Undeterred, Bolsonaro, echoing the case of former U.S. President Donald Trump, attended the hearings silently. Despite staging a rally in Rio to gain support amid declining approval ratings for President Lula, Bolsonaro's show of strength faltered, with a mere fraction of the anticipated million supporters in attendance. His political ambitions remain, as he vows to run in future elections despite a ban until 2030.

(With inputs from agencies.)