Brazil's ex-president's legal team denies coup claims in their closing court argument
Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro is awaiting the verdict in his coup trial, which concluded in mid-August 2025. The Supreme Court is set to deliver judgments between September 2 and 12, with Bolsonaro facing up to 40 years in prison if convicted on charges including attempting a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, and attempting to abolish democratic rule by force.
The trial has been a contentious issue, deeply dividing Brazil's public and political landscape. Bolsonaro and seven collaborators are accused of conspiring to retain power after his 2022 electoral defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, including plans to overturn the election results and harm political figures.
Prosecutors presented evidence such as message exchanges and handwritten notes to demonstrate the plot. However, Bolsonaro's lawyers argue that no solid evidence was presented to prove he acted against democratic institutions or incited others to do so. They maintain that Bolsonaro's compliance with the presidential transition and court orders contradicts the basic allegation that he plotted to thwart it.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case, stated that Bolsonaro violated precautionary measures by spreading content through his three lawmaker sons. The US Treasury has sanctioned de Moraes overseeing Bolsonaro's trial, adding an international dimension to the case.
The trial has gained international attention due to political support and criticism, including interventions by former U.S. President Donald Trump defending Bolsonaro. If convicted of attempting a coup, Bolsonaro could face up to 12 years in prison. Combined with other charges, he could spend decades behind bars.
The final judicial decision and sentencing will provide clarity on Bolsonaro’s legal fate and have significant political implications for Brazil. The case has gripped Brazil as it navigates a trade dispute with the United States, with US President Donald Trump linking his decision to impose a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil to Bolsonaro’s legal troubles.
References: [1] BBC News. (2025, August 15). Jair Bolsonaro trial: What are the coup charges against Brazil's former president? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-58024849
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 16). Bolsonaro’s trial: Brazil’s former president faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/bolsonaros-trial-brazils-former-president-faces-up-to-40-years-prison-if-convicted-2025-08-16/
[3] The Guardian. (2025, August 17). Jair Bolsonaro trial: Brazil's former president denies coup charges. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/17/jair-bolsonaro-trial-brazils-former-president-denies-coup-charges
[4] The New York Times. (2025, August 18). Trump Defends Bolsonaro, Calling His Trial a “Witch Hunt.” Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/world/americas/trump-bolsonaro-brazil.html
[5] The Washington Post. (2025, August 19). Bolsonaro’s trial for coup charges nears its conclusion. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/bolsonaros-trial-for-coup-charges-nears-its-conclusion/2025/08/19/d3a890c2-702c-11ee-9877-6c22fc10334a_story.html
[6] CNN. (2025, August 20). US imposes sanctions on Brazilian judge overseeing Bolsonaro's trial. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/20/americas/us-sanctions-brazilian-judge-bolsonaro-trial/index.html
[7] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 21). Bolsonaro’s trial: US President Donald Trump calls prosecution a “witch hunt”. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/21/bolsonaros-trial-us-president-donald-trump-calls-prosecution-a-witch-hunt
- The trial of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro, accompanied by international attention and political upheaval, is not just a domestic issue but also encompasses questions of policy and legislation, war and conflicts, general news, and crime and justice, given its implications for democratic rule and regional politics.
- As the court delivers judgments between September 2 and 12 on Bolsonaro's charges that include attempting a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, and attempting to abolish democratic rule by force, aspects of Brazil's politics have been exposed, including the controversial use of power, support from high-profile figures, and the complex relationship between the judiciary and executive branches, further indicative of policy and legislation being heavily intertwined with war and conflicts, general news, and crime and justice.
