Brazil's High Court Greenlights Trial for Bolsonaro Over Coup Plot

Brazil's Supreme Court has accepted charges against ex-President Jair Bolsonaro for an alleged coup attempt following his 2022 election loss. Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and others of planning to poison President Lula and a Supreme Court judge. The case may lead to decades-long sentences.

On Wednesday, Brazil's Supreme Court took a decisive step by accepting charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro. The charges arise from an alleged coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 elections. Bolsonaro stands accused of plotting to assassinate his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and a Supreme Court judge.

The unanimous ruling by the panel of justices also calls for trials of seven Bolsonaro allies, seeking answers on counts including coup attempts, organized armed activities, and violent damage to state properties. These charges, if proven, could lead to severe penalties, potentially resulting in decades-long imprisonment.

Bolsonaro, who denies any wrongdoing, claims political persecution. Nevertheless, Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet revealed plans within Bolsonaro's circle to retain power at all costs, halted only by the army commander's non-cooperation. This follows public unrest by Bolsonaro's supporters, highlighting ongoing political turbulence in Brazil.

(With inputs from agencies.)