Jair Bolsonaro set for trial in September 2nd hearing
In the heart of August 2025, the highly anticipated final phase of the Brazil coup trial is unfolding. The defendants, led by former President Jair Bolsonaro, include eight individuals, including four former ministers, military officers, and security chiefs from his administration.
The accused are facing severe charges, including leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish the democratic rule of law, and the attempted coup d’état. Other charges include causing damage to Union property through violence and serious threats, and deterioration of protected heritage property. Convictions could lead to sentences of up to 39 years in prison.
The trial, which stems from the January 8, 2023, anti-democratic events, involves allegations that Bolsonaro and his allies plotted to overturn the 2022 election results, including plans to kill the current President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, and the defense argues no coup was attempted because the presidential transition occurred.
The defense submitted their final arguments by August 13, after which Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case at Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF), will prepare his opinion. The trial verdict and sentencing are expected to be delivered between September 2 and 12, 2025. Bolsonaro remains under house arrest during the proceedings.
The Brazilian Public Ministry stated that defendants, after the failure of initial plans, incited the attack on Brasília on January 8, 2023. Also to be judged are the former commander of the Brazilian Navy, Almir Garnier, the former director of the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin), Alexandre Ramagem, and Colonel Mauro Cid, former personal advisor to the unspecified leader.
The hearings are scheduled for September 3, 9, 10, and 12, marking the culmination of a trial that has sparked international interest and political tension, particularly between Brazil and the United States. The case has also been a subject of controversy, with former US President Donald Trump imposing 50% tariffs on Brazilian products in retaliation against a judgment he considers "unjust" and the product of a "political persecution." Trump has repeatedly voiced his support for Bolsonaro, describing what is happening to him as "terrible."
The outcome of this trial will not only impact the future of Brazilian politics but also set a significant precedent for democratic rule and accountability in Latin America. As the world awaits the verdict, the stage is set for a historic conclusion to this high-stakes legal drama.
[1] Globo News. (2025). Final arguments submitted in Brazil coup trial. Retrieved from https://globonews.globo.com/brasil/noticia/2025/08/13/arguimentos-finais-entregues-no-processo-de-tentativa-de-golpe-no-brasil.ghtml
[2] BBC News. (2025). Brazil coup trial: Ex-president Bolsonaro faces verdict. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-59342917
[3] Reuters. (2025). Brazil coup trial: Ex-president Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-coup-trial-ex-president-bolsonaro-denies-wrongdoing-2025-08-13/
- The upcoming verdict in the Brazil coup trial, which involves former President Jair Bolsonaro and several other defendants, is expected to set a significant precedent for democratic rule and accountability in Latin America.
- The trial, involving allegations of a coup attempt and other severe charges against Bolsonaro and his allies, has led to political tension between Brazil and the United States, with former US President Donald Trump voicing his support for Bolsonaro and imposing tariffs on Brazilian products in retaliation.
- The Brazilian Public Ministry has accused the defendants, including former ministers, military officers, and security chiefs, of causing damage to Union property, threats, and attempts to violently abolish the democratic rule of law, among other charges, during the January 8, 2023, anti-democratic events.
