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19h ago

Bolsonaro’s Defense Seeks Acquittal as Supreme Court Schedules September Deliberations

September deliberations will follow closing arguments in which Bolsonaro’s lawyers claimed insufficient evidence under house arrest measures.

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Demonstrators rally in support of former President Jair Bolsonaro at the entrance to his residential complex, to denounce his house arrest order by the Supreme Court, in Brasília, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro participate in a caravan to protest his house arrest order by the Supreme Court, while passing an electronic billboard with his image, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, in Brasilia, Brazil. (AP Photo/Luis Nova)
FILE - President of the Supreme Electoral Court, Minister Alexandre de Moraes arrives to preside over the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, Brazil, June 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Gustavo Moreno, File)

Overview

  • Bolsonaro’s legal team filed a 197-page closing brief on August 13 arguing that the prosecution failed to present convincing evidence during a trial that began in May.
  • Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet has amassed handwritten notes, digital files, message exchanges and spreadsheets, and used plea-bargained aide Mauro Cid’s testimony to allege a coordinated plot to overturn the 2022 election.
  • Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro confined to house arrest on August 5 after finding he violated court-imposed limits on public communications.
  • A five-justice panel will convene extraordinary sessions starting September 2 to deliberate on the coup charges, with a verdict expected by year-end and potential appeals to follow.
  • The trial has heightened Brazil-U.S. tensions as President Trump denounces a “witch hunt,” sanctions Justice de Moraes and imposes 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports.