Days after his defeat, Bolsonaro summoned state governors to his residence, where he allegedly pressured them to support his bid to remain in power through a coup. Investigators claim high-ranking military officials were present at the meeting, signaling their willingness to back his efforts.
Meanwhile, federal police uncovered messages indicating that extremist supporters had been mobilized to stage protests, vandalize federal buildings, and create chaos—all in an attempt to justify military intervention.
The situation escalated on January 8, 2023, when thousands of Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed Brazil’s Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential palace in Brasília, demanding the military step in to restore their leader to power. The riots were swiftly suppressed, but investigators revealed they had been part of a larger destabilization strategy.
A key piece of evidence was a draft decree, found in the home of Bolsonaro’s former justice minister, proposing to declare a state of emergency and annul the election results. Witnesses testified that Bolsonaro had reviewed the document himself before his term ended.
Despite these findings, Bolsonaro insists he never attempted to subvert democracy. His legal team has argued that the evidence against him is circumstantial and politically motivated.
The trial, overseen by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, is expected to conclude next week. Analysts predict a conviction could set a precedent for holding leaders accountable for attacks on democratic institutions.
“This case is not just about one man—it’s about protecting the future of democracy in Brazil,” said a legal expert following the proceedings. “The court must send a clear signal that attempts to seize power illegally will not go unpunished.”
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