Brazil Supreme Court resumes hearings on Bolsonaro coup case

The Supreme Federal Court (STF) in Brazil reconvened on 26 June to hear the defense in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies accused of attempting a coup and related crimes after the 2022 elections. Defense witnesses included General Augusto Heleno, General Carlos Penteado – former executive secretary of the Institutional Security Office during the January 8 attacks – and former Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga, who also testified for ex‑Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto.

Prosecution witnesses had been heard starting 19 June, followed by additional defense testimonies from aides and former officials. The court will also hear former Justice Minister Anderson Torres and Bolsonaro himself later this week. After the testimony phase, the parties will submit written final arguments within 15 days, after which the judges will schedule the defendants' interrogations. The STF expects a verdict on the core case between September and October 2024.