Buenos Aires, Mar. 26, (dpa/GNA) – Brazil’s Supreme Court on Wednesday authorized the indictment of former president Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged plot to overturn the country’s 2022 election results, clearing the way for a trial at the top court.

All five justices of the court’s First Chamber ruled in favour of the charges levelled by Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet against Bolsonaro and seven alleged co-conspirators.

Bolsonaro, who denies the accusations, faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors allege that the right-wing leader conspired with allies to stage a coup and remain in power after his defeat by current leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

On January 8, 2023, Bolsonaro supporters who refused to accept Lula’s victory stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasília, causing extensive damage.

“The criminal organization took all necessary steps to overthrow the legitimately elected government,” Justice Alexandre de Moraes said.

Investigators say the coup attempt failed only because the military leadership refused to back it.

Besides Bolsonaro, the seven others charged include former spy chief Alexandre Ramagem, ex-justice minister Anderson Torres and former defence minister Braga Netto. They are accused of plotting to violently overthrow the democratic order, attempting a coup and forming a criminal organization. All reject the allegations.

The next step in the case is for prosecutors and defence lawyers to present evidence and summon witnesses. The Supreme Court will later issue a final ruling, with no option for appeal.

Bolsonaro, who is already barred from holding public office until 2030, faces several other investigations. Authorities accuse him of illegally selling luxury watches and jewellery received as official gifts from Saudi Arabia. He also allegedly ordered falsified Covid-19 vaccination records for himself, his family and staff — claims he has repeatedly denied.

GNA

PDC