A Brazilian prosecutor urged the country’s Supreme Court on Tuesday to convict former president Jair Bolsonaro of plotting a coup to overturn the 2022 election, in a case that has drawn sharp intervention from President Trump.
Bolsonaro is accused of attempting to subvert the democratic order alongside seven co-defendants. The prosecution argued they formed an “armed criminal association” and tried to “violently overthrow the democratic order.” The case now rests with Justice Alexandre de Moraes; a guilty verdict could bring prison sentences of up to 40 years.
Prosecutors say Bolsonaro’s plot only failed because the military refused to back it, after which his supporters stormed government buildings in Brasilia. Bolsonaro, who governed from 2019 to 2023, claims he is the target of political persecution.
Trump has repeatedly denounced the proceedings as a “witch hunt,” calling Bolsonaro “a good man” and accusing Brazilian authorities of attacking democracy. On July 9, Trump escalated his criticism by announcing a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing “Brazil’s insidious attacks on Free Elections.” The tariffs are set to take effect August 1, with Lula’s administration signaling retaliation.
