Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro testified before the Supreme Court, denying allegations of orchestrating a coup to overturn the 2022 election results, while affirming his innocence and political ambitions despite an eight-year ban.

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On June 10, 2025, Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former far-right president, appeared before the Supreme Court to respond to accusations of masterminding a coup attempt following his 2022 electoral defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This historic trial marks the first time a former Brazilian head of state faces charges of attempting to overthrow a democratically elected government.

During his testimony, Bolsonaro maintained calm and even joked with the judges, rejecting claims that he sought to break Brazil’s democratic order. He stated, “There was never any talk of a coup. A coup is an abominable thing… Brazil couldn’t go through an experience like that.”

Despite being barred from running in the 2026 elections due to an eight-year political disqualification, Bolsonaro expressed confidence that he would return to power, posting on social media that he left the court “more confident that I will be the next president of the Republic,”a statment That could indicate intentions to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions once again.

Por cerca de duas horas, Jair Bolsonaro (PL) ficou frente a frente com o ministro Alexandre de Moraes, no STF. O ex-presidente foi um dos interrogados pelo magistrado no inquérito que apura o golpe de Estado.https://t.co/GqL7b0y7ol

— ConJur – Consultor Jurídico (@ConJur_Oficial) June 11, 2025

The text reads: For about two hours, Jair Bolsonaro (PL) faced Minister Alexandre de Moraes at the Supreme Federal Court (STF). The former president was one of those interrogated by the magistrate in the inquiry investigating the attempted coup d’état.

The trial involves eight defendants, including Bolsonaro and several former ministers and aides, accused of conspiring to prevent Lula’s inauguration on January 1, 2023. Prosecutors allege the plot, dubbed “Operation Green and Yellow Dagger,” included plans to arrest or assassinate key figures such as Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The conspiracy culminated in the January 8, 2023, riots, when thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings demanding a military coup.

Bolsonaro denied any coup intentions but admitted that he and his advisors discussed “alternatives” in response to what they perceived as electoral fraud, though they ultimately abandoned such plans. He emphasized his innocence and framed the trial as part of a broader political struggle, asserting his commitment to Brazil’s future and his belief that history will vindicate him.

Following the conclusion of the testimony phase, the court will consider additional motions before proceeding to final arguments. Convictions could carry sentences ranging from 12 to 40 years in prison. The trial is closely watched across Latin America as a critical moment in the defense of democratic institutions against far-right authoritarianism.

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