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September 13, 2025

Anna Murray 

The trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro began on September 9, with Supreme Court judges expected to decide whether he conspired to undermine Brazil’s democracy and cling to power after losing the 2022 election.

Reports indicate that Justice Flavio Dino and panel leader Justice Alexandre de Moraes have already voted in favor of conviction. Bolsonaro, who governed Brazil from January 2019 to December 2022, has denied all charges.

Bolsonaro and seven co-defendants stand accused of attempting to block President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office. If found guilty, the former president could face a prison sentence of more than 40 years.