Supreme Court justices to start casting votes on coup plot case
The first panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court will begin Tuesday (Sep. 9) to cast votes on the case that could see former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies sentenced to over 30 years in prison.
Justice Cristiano Zanin, who presides over the sessions in the trial, scheduled extra sittings for Thursday (Sep. 11).
The move comes in response to a request from the rapporteur of the criminal case, Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The sittings had originally been scheduled for Sep. 9, 10, and 12. They should now take four more days.
The trial began last week, when both the defense and the prosecution were heard.
Charges
Among other charges, the defendants are accused of participating in the devising of the Punhal Verde e Amarelo (“Green and Yellow Dagger”) plan, aimed at kidnapping or murdering Justice Alexandre de Moraes, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and vice-President Geraldo Alckmin.
The prosecution also mentions the writing of a “coup draft” – a document Bolsonaro was allegedly aware of and that would serve to decree measures of state defense and siege in Brazil in an attempt to reverse the results of the 2022 elections and prevent President Lula from taking office.
The complaint also cites the alleged involvement of the defendants in the riots of January 8, 2023, when the headquarters of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches in Brasília were vandalized.
Nucleus 2
Also on Friday (5), Justice Alexandre de Moraes gave the prosecution and the defense for the second group of defendants 15 days to present their final arguments.
The group, known as Nucleus 2, is accused of organizing measures to support former President Jair Bolsonaro’s attempt to remain in power illegally in 2022. It comprises:
- Filipe Martins, Bolsonaro’s former international affairs advisor;
- Marcelo Câmara, Bolsonaro’s former advisor;
- Silvinei Vasques, former director of the Federal Highway Police;
- Mário Fernandes, Army general;
- Marília de Alencar, former undersecretary of security for the Federal District, where Brasília is located; and
- Fernando de Sousa Oliveira, former deputy secretary of the Federal District Security Secretariat.
The allegations are part of the last phase before the trial, which should take place later this year.
