Brazil Supreme Court Vote Nears Conviction for Bolsonaro Coup Plot

Brazil's Supreme Court has begun voting on the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces serious charges including leading an armed criminal organization, attempting a coup d'état, and inciting the January 2023 riots. Justice Alexandre de Moraes cast the first vote to convict Bolsonaro, labeling him the leader of a criminal group that sought to overturn the 2022 election results and reinstate dictatorship. The trial revealed a parallel assassination plot against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, and Moraes himself, which was allegedly aborted at the last minute. Bolsonaro could face over 40 years in prison if convicted on all charges, which also include damage to public and protected property. Four other Supreme Court justices will soon cast their votes, with a verdict expected by the end of the week, while Bolsonaro remains under home detention and is not expected to attend the verdict announcement. Political tensions persist, with some politicians advocating for amnesty for Bolsonaro, reflecting ongoing power struggles ahead of future elections.