Lawyers for Bolsonaro petition for his exoneration from charges of attempted coup
Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil (2019-2022), is currently on trial for allegedly attempting a coup after the 2022 presidential elections. The trial, which is in its sentencing phase, could potentially lead to a 40-year prison sentence for Bolsonaro if found guilty.
The allegations against Bolsonaro and his associates include obstruction of justice in an attempt to maintain their "authoritarian power" despite losing the elections to Lula da Silva. The former president is accused of considering seeking political asylum in Argentina in 2024 and maintaining communication with allies despite precautionary measures, including house arrest, imposed upon him.
However, Bolsonaro's lawyers deny any wrongdoing or noncompliance with court orders, arguing that he did not violate conditions such as house arrest or ankle monitoring. Despite being placed under house arrest in his home in Brasília in early August, Bolsonaro was accused of violating a ban on expressing himself on social media, leading to his house arrest.
In a 197-page document submitted to the court, Bolsonaro's lawyers argue that he is "innocent of all charges." The former president declared himself innocent before the Supreme Federal Court in June. Bolsonaro's trial is being conducted by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who demanded explanations within 48 hours about Bolsonaro’s alleged failure to comply with house arrest measures.
Bolsonaro is being tried alongside seven collaborators. The outcome of the trial will soon be known, which will determine whether Bolsonaro will remain a leader in Brazil's largest economy. If found guilty, Bolsonaro's political future could be in jeopardy, as he has been declared ineligible to run for office until 2030. However, Bolsonaro maintains hope of running in the 2026 presidential elections.
The supporters of Bolsonaro denounced an alleged electoral fraud and called for military intervention. On January 8, 2023, a week after Lula's inauguration, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed the seats of the three powers in Brasília. The lawyers for Bolsonaro have asked the Supreme Federal Court to acquit him, arguing that "the total lack of evidence" has been demonstrated.
As of August 2025, further legal developments, including potentially new trials based on obstruction charges, are possible depending on prosecutorial decisions. The trial has been closely watched by Brazilians and observers around the world, as it could set a precedent for holding former leaders accountable for their actions.
[1] "Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro faces new charges in coup plot trial." BBC News, 1 Aug. 2025. www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-62819031
[2] "Bolsonaro goes on trial over coup plot allegations." Al Jazeera, 1 Aug. 2025. www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/1/bolsonaro-goes-on-trial-over-coup-plot-allegations
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