SAO PAULO — Legal professionals for Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro denied coup costs towards him throughout their closing protection in a Supreme Court docket trial over his alleged try to remain in energy after dropping the 2022 election to present President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The legal professionals argued late Wednesday that no strong proof had been offered to show that Bolsonaro acted towards Brazil’s democratic establishments or incited others to take action, and stated the truth that he allowed the presidential transition to proceed contradicts the fundamental allegation that he plotted to thwart it. “That is proof that eliminates essentially the most important of the accusatory premises,” they stated.
The previous president and different defendants have been required to current their closing arguments by Wednesday. This marks the final procedural step earlier than the trial concludes, which is anticipated by 12 months’s finish.
A panel of 5 Supreme Court docket justices will now resolve whether or not Bolsonaro and his allies are responsible. If convicted of trying a coup, Bolsonaro might resist 12 years in jail. Mixed with different costs, he might spend a long time behind bars. Even when convicted, Bolsonaro can enchantment the choice to the complete Supreme Court docket.
Brazil’s prime courtroom on elections has already barred the far-right chief from operating for workplace till 2030, ruling that he abused his authority by undermining confidence within the nation’s electoral system.
Bolsonaro has been below home arrest since Aug. 5. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the case, stated Bolsonaro violated precautionary measures by spreading content material via his three lawmaker sons. Final week, De Moraes eased the restrictions, permitting unrestricted household visits.
The case has gripped Brazil because it navigates a commerce dispute with the US.
Bolsonaro has acquired assist from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has referred to as the prosecution a “witch hunt” and linked his choice to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports to Bolsonaro’s authorized troubles.
Prosecutor-Common Paulo Gonet submitted his closing arguments in July, citing in depth proof of a conspiracy towards Brazil’s democratic establishments. He stated that features handwritten notes, digital recordsdata, message exchanges, and spreadsheets allegedly detailing the plot.
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