Overview

• The Brazilian Supreme Court is deliberating whether to open a criminal trial against Jair Bolsonaro and seven others for their alleged involvement in a coup plot after his 2022 election defeat.
• Prosecutors accuse Bolsonaro of leading a criminal organization that planned to discredit Brazil's electronic voting system and annul the election results.
• The alleged plan included drafting a decree for new elections and plotting assassinations of key figures, including President Lula, his vice president, and a Supreme Court judge.
• The coup attempt reportedly failed due to a lack of support from senior military officials, and Bolsonaro denies all charges, claiming political persecution.
• Security has been heightened in Brasília as the court deliberates, with a decision expected as early as March 25 or 26, potentially leading to sentences exceeding 40 years if Bolsonaro is convicted.