Brazil's Supreme Court concludes final arguments phase, and the 'crucial core' of the coup awaits trial date.
The trial is expected to take place this semester in the First Chamber, which will decide on the conviction or acquittal of eight defendants, including Bolsonaro.
247 - The process investigating the alleged participation of Jair Bolsonaro (PL) in orchestrating an attempted coup is entering its final stages at the Supreme Federal Court (STF). According to information from g1After the closing arguments are concluded, the case will be prepared for trial, at which point the First Panel will decide whether Bolsonaro and seven other defendants will be convicted or acquitted.
According to the Attorney General's Office (PGR), Bolsonaro is identified as the "main orchestrator, greatest beneficiary, and author of the most serious acts aimed at disrupting the Democratic Rule of Law." The case's rapporteur, Minister Alexandre de Moraes, indicated that the analysis of the process should take place this semester.
Steps before the trial
Once the prosecution and defense have submitted their arguments, the rapporteur may order the production of "essential evidence for the trial," if deemed necessary. Following this, Moraes will prepare a report outlining the history and key points of the criminal case.
From there, the president of the First Panel, Minister Cristiano Zanin, will be responsible for setting the date for the session. The procedure will follow the rules of criminal law and the internal regulations of the Supreme Federal Court: the rapporteur presents the report; any witnesses may be heard; the prosecution and defense each have one hour to present their arguments, with the possibility of extension.
How will the decision be made?
Once the debates are concluded, the justices deliberate and present their votes. Conviction or acquittal will be decided by a simple majority—at least three of the five members of the panel. Regardless of the outcome, the parties may still appeal within the Supreme Court itself.
This final stretch marks one of the most decisive moments in the process, which involves not only Bolsonaro's political future, but also holding the other defendants accountable for acts that, according to the Attorney General's Office, jeopardized Brazilian democracy.
