It is expected that if all the procedural deadlines are met and there is no questions, the trial will take place this year
The Federal Supreme Court () published a judgment involving the former president and seven other defendants accused of participating in an alleged attempted coup. This document marks the beginning of a court case that can culminate in trial later this year. If all procedural deadlines are met and there are no questions, the trial occurs in 2025. However, the number of witnesses listed may influence time. The law does not establish a limit to the number of witnesses, but the rapporteur minister has the prerogative to reject requests considered excessive to accelerate the process.
With the publication of the judgment, the criminal instruction phase begins, in which Bolsonaro and the other accused become officially defendants. Prior to this phase, the defendants’ defenses have already been notified and have five days to file questions to the decision. After this stage, evidence will be taken, due diligence and witnesses heard. Only after that will Minister Alexandre de Moraes mark the date of the trial, which will decide whether the accused will be convicted or acquitted.
The beginning of the trial depends on the administrative process of the Electoral Justice. The expectation is that, in the coming days, the demonstration of the prior defense will occur, with the phase of presentation of evidence and hearing of witnesses, possibly starting in May. This process is complex and involves a conflict of legitimacy, with the judiciary reaffirming punishment as a democratic value, while part of the legislature seeks supposed pacification.
*With information from Janaina Camelo
*Report produced with the aid of AI
