Jair Bolsonaro Will Stand Trial Over Alleged Coup Plan. Here’s What Happens Next.
HuffPost
Legal experts estimate that the former Brazilian president could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison.
SAO PAULO (AP) — A panel of Brazil Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven of his associates will stand trial on five counts, including attempting to stage a coup after the far-right leader lost the 2022 election.
The panel will review existing evidence, potentially gather new evidence and hear testimonies. Legal experts estimate that Bolsonaro could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison, though his actual jail time — if convicted — would be less than that due to procedural considerations.
Here’s what to know about what will happen after Wednesday’s ruling:
What charges does Bolsonaro face?
Bolsonaro will stand trial on the counts of attempting to stage a coup, involvement in an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, damage characterized by violence and a serious threat against the state’s assets, and deterioration of listed heritage.
