Brazil Supreme Court Concludes Bolsonaro Coup Trial

The trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has entered its final phase, with the Supreme Court expected to deliver a verdict by September 12 on charges accusing him of orchestrating a coup attempt to remain in power after losing the 2022 elections. Bolsonaro faces multiple charges, including leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to abolish democratic rule, and plotting violence, with potential sentences exceeding 40 years. Throughout the trial, Bolsonaro has maintained his innocence, describing the proceedings as politically motivated, a view strongly supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has condemned the trial as a "witch hunt," imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, and sanctioned the presiding judge, Alexandre de Moraes. The trial has drawn intense domestic and international attention, symbolizing deep political polarization in Brazil and testing the strength of its democracy decades after military dictatorship. Security around the Supreme Court has been heightened, and the trial is being broadcast live, underscoring its historic significance and the high stakes involved for Brazil's political future. Bolsonaro's fate could also impact his chances of a political comeback, similar to Trump's trajectory in the U.S.