Former Brazilian president could face 12 years for election plot

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faces a landmark trial as the Supreme Court begins the verdict and sentencing phase over accusations he tried to overturn the 2022 presidential election.

Bolsonaro, who narrowly lost to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, denies wrongdoing and says the trial is politically motivated, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He is under house arrest and faces five charges, including attempting a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organisation, and destroying state property.

Seven of his close allies, including former defence ministers and his former running mate, are also on trial.

Prosecutors say Bolsonaro orchestrated a plan involving fake news, threats to politicians, and the January 8, 2023, attack on government buildings by his supporters.

“The trial marks a historic departure from impunity,” said Lucas Figueiredo, author of books on Brazil’s dictatorship.

“History will tell whether it is 100% successful, but what we are seeing today is a movement that breaks with a tradition of military coups.”

A guilty verdict on the coup charge alone could bring up to 12 years in prison.

By Aghakazim Guliyev