Brazil Supreme Court resumes hearings in Bolsonaro coup trial

The Supreme Federal Court (STF) resumed on Monday, 26 June, the hearings in the criminal case against former president Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies accused of attempting a coup and related crimes after the 2022 election. Defense witnesses include General Carlos Penteado, former secretary‑executive of the GSI during the 8 January attacks, and former health minister Marcelo Queiroga, who also testified for ex‑defence minister Walter Braga Netto. The court has already heard witnesses from the prosecution and from other defendants, with further testimonies scheduled, including former justice minister Anderson Torres and Bolsonaro himself, before the hearing phase ends on 2 June. After the hearings, the parties will submit written final arguments; the rapporteur will then set a date for the defendants’ interrogation, and the trial is expected to be scheduled for September‑October 2024. The case is being heard by the STF’s First Panel, chaired by Minister Cristiano Zanin, with relator Alexandre de Moraes.