Jair Bolsonaro denies plotting a coup at his trial but confirms he discussed ways to retain power, including military options, after losing the 2022 election. His admission comes amidst a historical trial involving former military leaders, revealing a troubling dialogue about potential authoritarian measures.
In a dramatic moment at his trial, Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro has denied orchestrating a coup attempt but admitted to exploring “alternative ways” to hold onto power after losing the 2022 election. He detailed this during over two hours of questioning in the supreme court, acknowledging discussions surrounding various constitutional options after the electoral court confirmed Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s victory.
Bolsonaro claimed these discussions included potentially deploying military forces and temporarily suspending certain civil liberties, yet he insists that such talks should not be labeled as a coup. “A coup is something abominable… the day after is simply unpredictable and harmful to everyone,” he expressed. He argued that Brazil could not endure such turmoil and maintained that these scenarios were merely hypotheticals during his tenure.
Interestingly, he acknowledged that his allies did consider measures like a state of siege but ultimately decided against them due to the lack of support or feasible conditions. “There was no climate for it,” he remarked, confirming earlier testimonies from former military leaders who described resistance to his plans, though one navy commander reportedly backed Bolsonaro’s vision.
As he faced the court, Bolsonaro did not shy away from using the opportunity as a political platform, defending his administration’s record from 2019 to 2023 while harshly critiquing Lula’s ongoing presidency. An anticipated confrontation with justice Alexandre de Moraes, the trial’s lead judge, eased as Bolsonaro apologized for previous insults aimed at the judge and other justices, including allegations of judicial misconduct.
In a moment of levity amidst the serious proceedings, he jokingly invited Moraes to be his running mate for the 2026 election, to which the justice wryly declined. This trial marks a historic moment as it is the first time that high-ranking military figures are being prosecuted for a coup attempt in Brazil, a nation deeply aware of its dictatorial past from 1964 to 1985.
Commentary from political analysts like Miriam Leitão highlights the unsettling convenience with which coup discussions occurred during Bolsonaro’s presidency. “Everyone knew about it,” she noted, emphasizing the extent of the discussions held in official settings within the presidential palace and military echelons.
Among the defendants is Lt Col Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s ex-aide who is cooperating with prosecutors after signing a plea deal. He claimed that Bolsonaro had modified a draft decree that initially included plans to arrest lawmakers and justices, simplifying it to ensure only political opponents faced consequences. Cid also mentioned Bolsonaro’s failed efforts to uncover evidence of fraud in the voting system, which was aimed at justifying military intervention.
Once all testimonies are presented, the prosecution and defense will each have five days to request further inquiries for additional evidence. Following that, they will present final arguments ahead of the trial’s verdict, anticipated later this year.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro’s trial reveals conflicting narratives about his actions post-election. While he admits to discussing controversial methods to retain power, he vehemently denies that these amounted to a coup. This case is unprecedented in Brazil’s history, not only for the high-ranking officials involved but also for the serious implications it holds regarding the country’s past with military rule. The outcome of these proceedings could shape Brazil’s political landscape significantly.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
