Brazil Supreme Court resumes hearings on ex-president Jair Bolsonaro coup trial

The Supreme Federal Court (STF) in Brazil reconvened on 26 June to hear further testimony in the criminal case against former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies accused of attempting a coup and related crimes after the 2022 elections. Ten defense witnesses for former General Augusto Heleno were called, including General Carlos Penteado, the former executive secretary of the GSI during the January 8 attacks, and former Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga, who also testified for ex‑Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto.

Earlier hearings, begun on 19 June, featured prosecution witnesses named by the Federal Prosecutor's Office and subsequent defense witnesses for former aide Mauro Cid, federal deputy Alexandre Ramagem, and others. Additional defense testimonies are scheduled for former Justice Minister Anderson Torres and Bolsonaro himself before the hearing period ends on 2 June. After testimony, the court will open a written briefing phase, after which the presiding minister will set dates for the defendants' interrogations. The trial is expected to be judged in September‑October 2024 by the STF’s First Panel, chaired by Minister Cristiano Zanin and including Alexandre de Moraes, Cármen Lúcia, Flávio Dino, and Luiz Fux.