Brazilian coup trial: Bolsonaro admits to finding 'alternative ways' to remain in power - what former President said in court

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has admitted at his trial in the Supreme Court that he allegedly took part in meetings to seek “ alternative ways” to remain in power after his defeat in the 2022 elections.

But he has denied involvement in staging any coup.

After two hours of questioning, he stated, “We studied other alternatives within the constitution,” as reported by the Guardian, following the swearing-in of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro, a far-right leader, admitted that other options under consideration were the deployment of military forces and the suspension of civil liberties, but did not go through any of them as “there was no climate for it; no opportunity”.

He said that his allies had even considered the declaration of a state of siege. The former chiefs of the air force and the army had previously said that they were not complicit in Bolsonaro’s plans during those meetings, although the former navy commander pledged his alliance with Bolsonaro.

The trial

Bolsonaro and 33 of his allies were charged in February for trying to stage a coup after losing the presidential elections in 2022.

Now, Brazil’s top court has started a trial for the eight of them, including Bolsonaro. In the coming months, judges will hear from the other 26 defendants.The case arises from when the Presidential Palace in Brasilia, the Supreme Court, and Congress were stormed by thousands of Bolsonaro supporters in an attempt to oust the newly sworn-in President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2023. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 12 years in prison for allegedly staging a coup, as reported by AP. The first to testify was Lt. Colonel Mauro Cid, who signed a plea bargain and his testimony, along with evidence from the federal police, forms the basis of the trial. He testified that the former president had orchestrated some kind of “fraud” in the electronic voting system as well as edited a draft decree that included the arrest of various authorities.

What if Bolsonaro is found guilty

Even if he is found guilty, Bolsonaro would still be able to appeal to the Supreme Court’s full panel. If the former president is not convicted on all counts, Brazil’s top prosecutor could do the same. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s lawyers could prolong the trial by requesting clarifications on individual judges’ rulings. This process will be over by the second half of the year, according to legal experts.