Brazilian coup test: Bolsono admitted to finding ‘alternative methods’ to stay in power – what the former President said in court
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsoro has admitted in his trial in the Supreme Court that he allegedly attended meetings in search of “alternative ways” to be in power after his defeat in the 2022 elections. But he has denied participation in staging any coup. After two hours of interrogation, he said, “We studied other options within the Constitution,” as reported by the Guardian, after the swearing in of the current President Luiz Inecio Lula da Silva. Bolsoro, a far-fetched leader, admitted that other options under consideration were the deployment of military forces and suspension of civil freedom, but did not go through any of them, because “there was no climate for it; no opportunity”. He said that his colleagues had also considered the declaration of siege status. The former heads of the Air Force and the Army had earlier stated that they were not involved in Bolsonaro’s plans during those meetings, although the former Navy commander promised his alliance with Bolsono.
tests
In February, his colleagues were accused and 33 of his associates were accused of trying to try a coup after losing the presidential elections in 2022. Now, the Brazilian top court has started a test for eight of them, including Bolsoro. In the coming months, the judges will hear from other 26 defendants.The case arises when Bascilia, the President’s Mahal in the Supreme Court, and the Congress were given a storm by thousands of Bolsono supporters in 2023 in an attempt to exclude the newly-in President Luiz Eneasio Lula Da Silva. If convicted, Bolsorno may be sentenced to 12 years of prison for allegedly staging the coup, as reported by AP. The first Lieutenant Colonel Mauro was the first to testify, who signed a petition bargaining and its testimony along with the evidence of the federal police, formed the basis of the test. He testified that the former President had edited a draft decree along with some “fraud” in the electronic voting system which included the arrest of various officers.
What if Bolsoro is found guilty
Even if he is found guilty, Bolsono will still be able to appeal in the full panel of the Supreme Court. If the former President is not convicted in all matters, the top prosecutors of Brazil can do the same. Meanwhile, Bolsono’s lawyers could prolong the test by requesting clarification on the decisions of individual judges. According to legal experts, this process will end by the second half of the year.
