Bolsonaro denies coup before Supreme Court: ‘Never spoke of coup’

Brazil’s former president is accused of leading a subversive plot to prevent Lula’s inauguration. He faces up to 40 years in prison

Jair Bolsonaro’s deposition has begun before Brazil’s Supreme Court, where the former president is accused of orchestrating an alleged coup plot to prevent the inauguration of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The hearing is being held in the presence of Judge Alexandre de Morais, who is leading the investigation into the events following the 2022 elections.

Bolsonaro denied any allegations, dismissing the possibility of a coup: “There was never any talk of a coup. A coup is an abominable thing. Brazil could not undergo it, the possibility was not even considered,” he said during questioning.

The charges against the former head of state are serious: violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, attempted coup d’état, armed criminal conspiracy, aggravated damage and destruction of public property. Under Brazil’s penal code, if found guilty, Bolsonaro faces penalties of up to 40 years in prison.

The investigation refers to the events of Jan. 8, 2023, when groups of Bolsonaro’s radical supporters stormed institutional offices in Brasilia, including Congress, the Supreme Court and the Presidential Palace, just days after Lula took office.

According to investigators, Bolsonaro allegedly fueled a climate of distrust in the electoral process and maintained contacts with sectors of the armed forces willing to support subversive action. The trial is also set to have a major impact politically, in view of the upcoming municipal elections and the future shape of Brazil’s right wing.

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