The former Brazilian president and his associates could face up to 40 years in prison.

On Monday, Brazil’s Supreme Court began questioning Mauro Cid, the aide-de-camp to former President Jair Bolsonaro (2018–2022) and a key figure in the case accusing the far-right leader of plotting a coup attempt to remain in power.

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The Army lieutenant colonel cooperated with the Federal Police during the investigation, and his testimony was crucial for Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office to file the formal charges against Bolsonaro, which the Supreme Court later accepted.

Cid told police about meetings Bolsonaro held with the military high command to discuss decrees that aimed to annul the results of the 2022 election, in which he was defeated by Lula da Silva.

During the investigation, Brazilian authorities also found dozens of messages on Cid’s phone in which the former aide informed other military personnel about the progress of the conspiracy.

The text reads, “Mauro Cid stated that Bolsonaro not only knew the draft of the coup plan but also made changes to the document.”

This week, the Supreme Court will also question Bolsonaro and six of his close allies, including former Defense Minister Paulo Sergio Nogueira and former vice-presidential candidate Walter Braga Netto.

Once this phase concludes, the presiding justice will consult with prosecutors and defense attorneys to determine whether further questioning or proceedings are needed, or if the case can move to closing arguments.

Bolsonaro and his associates are being prosecuted for the crimes of violently abolishing the democratic rule of law, attempted coup d’etat, armed criminal conspiracy, aggravated damage, and destruction of public property. If convicted on all charges, they could face up to 40 years in prison.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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