Bolsonaro trial enters final phase

A lawyer for former president Jair Bolsonaro said the first day of the final stage of his landmark trial ended “as expected,” with Bolsonaro’s defense set to present technical arguments to a five‑judge panel the following day. Defense attorney Paulo Cunha said Bolsonaro will not attend that session because of health issues; the ex-president has this year canceled events and medical appointments, been treated for moderate esophagitis and gastritis, and spent three weeks in hospital after abdominal surgery for an intestinal obstruction.

Presiding judge Alexandre de Moraes opened the Supreme Court session framing the case as a defense of democracy. Prosecutors, led by Attorney‑General Paulo Gonet, completed their main presentation, alleging Bolsonaro and allies coordinated with military officials, spread disinformation and stoked post‑election unrest to try to overturn the 2022 vote. Bolsonaro’s team reported no surprises or procedural developments on the opening day, which moved smoothly toward final arguments.

Bolsonaro remains under house arrest in Brasília, monitored by an electronic ankle device and restricted from social media and contact with foreign parties as courts tighten oversight. The proceedings are expected to run through September 12 with a verdict anticipated soon after; convictions on charges such as plotting a coup, leading an armed criminal organization or attacking democratic institutions could carry combined sentences spanning decades.

The trial has drawn strong international attention and controversy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the proceedings and announced punitive measures including tariffs and visa restrictions against Brazilian justices, moves that have intensified debate but also reinforced domestic commitment within Brazil’s judiciary to uphold independence. The outcome will test Brazil’s institutions as the nation confronts allegations that a former president and senior figures sought to dismantle democratic norms.