Brazil's Supreme Court Considers Charges Against Former President Bolsonaro

Brazil's Supreme Court has started proceedings to decide if former President Jair Bolsonaro and allies will face trial for charges including plotting a coup. Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro of seeking to maintain power at all costs after losing the 2022 election. No decision was reached on the first day.

A panel of Brazil's Supreme Court justices concluded the first day of proceedings on Tuesday, deliberating whether former President Jair Bolsonaro and his close associates will face trial on five charges, including attempting a coup. Despite lengthy discussions, no decision was reached.

The charges, initiated by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet last month, accuse Bolsonaro of conspiring to retain power following his 2022 election defeat to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The alleged plot involved plans to poison Lula and kill Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

Proceedings will continue on Wednesday. The charges also include participation in an armed criminal organization and threatening state assets. Under Brazilian law, a coup conviction could lead to up to 12 years in prison, with combined charges resulting in decades-long sentences.