Brazil Attorney General Seeks Bolsonaro Coup Conviction

Brazil's Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet has called for the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants, accusing them of leading an armed criminal organization and attempting a coup to overturn the 2022 election won by current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The 517-page document submitted to the Supreme Federal Court alleges Bolsonaro acted systematically to destabilize democracy and incite insurrection throughout his term and after his electoral defeat. Bolsonaro denies all accusations, labeling the trial a "witch hunt," a term echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has criticized Brazil's actions and imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports in response. If convicted, Bolsonaro faces up to 40 years in prison on charges including coup d'état, criminal association, and damage to public property. The trial, overseen by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, is expected to conclude later this year, with a verdict carrying significant political and legal consequences for Brazil. The case highlights deep political divisions and the ongoing struggle over Brazil's democratic institutions.