Brazil Supreme Court Deliberates Bolsonaro Coup-Plot Trial

Brazil's Supreme Court has begun deliberations in the historic trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of orchestrating a coup attempt to remain in power after losing the 2022 election to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro faces charges including attempted coup, leading a criminal organization, and inciting violence during the January 2023 attacks on Brazil's Congress, Supreme Court, and presidential palace. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face over 40 years in prison, which would likely end his hopes for a Trump-style political comeback. The trial has drawn significant attention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has condemned the proceedings as a "witch hunt," imposed tariffs on Brazilian imports, sanctioned the presiding judge Alexandre de Moraes, and revoked visas of several Brazilian officials. Moraes, a key figure in the trial, maintains that Brazil's national sovereignty must be upheld and has increased security measures around Bolsonaro's residence due to concerns about flight risk. The case has polarized Brazil, reflecting deep divisions about democracy and justice in the country, and is being closely watched domestically and internationally as a test of Brazil's democratic institutions.