Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, denied orchestrating a coup but admitted to discussing alternative means to stay in power after losing the 2022 election. He claimed ideas like military deployment and civil liberty suspensions were discussed but insisted they did not amount to a coup. In his testimony, he defended his administration while criticizing Lula’s presidency. The unprecedented trial includes high-ranking military officers, marking a first in Brazil’s political history.
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, faced a rigorous questioning in the supreme court as he denied any involvement in a coup but admitted to discussing alternative strategies to maintain power after losing the 2022 election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In two hours of testimony, the 70-year-old Bolsonaro suggested that these discussions included options like deploying military forces and restricting civil rights, yet he insisted that none of this amounted to a coup attempt.
Bolsonaro described a coup as an act that is “abominable” and would lead to unpredictable consequences, stating, “Brazil could not go through something like that.” He acknowledged that although his allies talked about declaring a state of siege, they ultimately decided against it, citing a lack of support and opportunity.
During his testimony, the ex-president, with a notably strained voice, transformed the court appearance into a platform where he defended his past administration while repeatedly criticizing Lula’s presidency. It was anticipated that he might clash with Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been a frequent target of Bolsonaro’s disparaging remarks. However, Bolsonaro unexpectedly apologized for suggesting that Moraes and others were involved in bribery.
“I had no intention of accusing you of any misconduct,” he remarked, attempting to smooth over past tensions. Despite being barred from office due to a separate ruling for spreading misinformation regarding Brazil’s voting system, he jokingly invited Moraes to be his running mate for the 2026 elections.
Bolsonaro’s questioning marked a pivotal moment in this unprecedented trial, where for the first time, high-ranking military officials have been implicated in an attempted coup in Brazil, a nation with a turbulent military past. Analysis from journalist Miriam Leitão highlighted the uncomfortable reality of how casually coup discussions were embedded in Bolsonaro’s administration.
The former aide-de-camp, Lt Col Mauro Cid, who has struck a plea bargain, provided critical testimony stating that Bolsonaro had considered restricting the civil liberties of key officials. Cid claimed that Bolsonaro even modified a decree which would include arresting Congress members and Supreme Court justices, though he later removed those sections.
Once the testimonies from the defendants conclude, both prosecution and defense will have a short window to request additional inquiries. The rapporteur, Justice Moraes, will decide whether to accept these requests. Following this phase, final arguments will take place, leading up to the verdict anticipated later this year.
In conclusion, Bolsonaro’s testimony reveals significant tensions within his administration regarding the post-election period. While he denies plotting a coup, his admission of discussing military interventions and arrests raises serious concerns about his leadership ethics. The trial is unique in that it involves military figures, indicative of Brazil’s complicated past with civilian rule. As the proceedings continue, both sides will prepare for critical final arguments and await a verdict expected later this year.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
