First day of Bolsonaro's trial at Brazil's Supreme Court ends

First day of Bolsonaro's trial at Brazil's Supreme Court ends

Title: First Day of Bolsonaro's Trial at Brazil's Supreme Court Ends

The first day of the landmark trial of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro on charges of plotting a coup has concluded. The trial, which began on Tuesday, is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, drawing millions of viewers and sparking concerns about political polarization and national sovereignty.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been at the center of the controversy due to his role in the trial and the subsequent sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, opened the proceedings by emphasizing the court's independence and the importance of national sovereignty. He underscored that the trial is a defense of democracy against external pressures, a stance that has drawn criticism from Bolsonaro's allies and supporters who see it as politically motivated.

The trial is expected to conclude by September 12, with a five-justice panel delivering verdicts and sentences on the five counts against Bolsonaro and seven of his allies. The charges include taking part in an armed criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish democracy, coup d’etat, damage to government property, and damage to protected cultural assets. Bolsonaro has maintained his innocence and has been under house arrest since July, with strict conditions including an ankle monitor and surveillance.

The trial is also linked to the January 2023 riots, where thousands of Bolsonaro supporters vandalized and invaded key government buildings in a grim echo of the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot. The case is seen as a potential historic reckoning for Brazil, as it addresses the accountability of the armed forces for their role in the country's past dictatorship.

As the trial progresses, Brazil braces for potential unrest and demonstrations. Lawmakers aligned with Bolsonaro have gathered to denounce the case, with Senator Hamilton Mourao, who served as Bolsonaro's vice president, describing it as "political revenge."

The political and financial implications of the trial are significant. A conviction could potentially impact Bolsonaro's political career and the stability of Brazil's political landscape. The trial is also expected to influence international relations, particularly with the United States, given the involvement of former U.S. President Donald Trump in the matter.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazil-supreme-court-rejects-trump-pressure-bolsonaro-coup-trial-nears-verdict-2025-09-02/
[2] https://bdnews24.com/world/3c5f35a94016
[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/2/why-is-brazils-jair-bolsonaro-on-trial-and-whats