Bolsonaro’s Bid to Remove Judges in Coup Case Rejected by Brazil’s Supreme Court

BRASÍLIA, 21 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Brazil’s Supreme Court has rejected former president Jair Bolsonaro’s attempt to remove three judges from the panel that will determine whether he should face trial for allegedly orchestrating an attempted coup.

Judicial Rejection of Recusal Request

Bolsonaro, a far-right leader who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, is among more than 30 individuals – including former ministers and senior military officials – charged with plotting to overthrow his left-wing successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The recusal request was specifically aimed at Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a key figure in multiple investigations into Bolsonaro’s tenure. The Supreme Court panel, consisting of five judges, is set to convene on 25 March 2025 to assess whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with Bolsonaro’s trial.

If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a prison sentence exceeding 40 years.

Defence Arguments and Supreme Court’s Stance

Bolsonaro’s legal team argued that Moraes should be recused due to a conflict of interest, citing allegations that the coup plot included plans to assassinate both Moraes and key government figures, including Lula and his vice president. The defence also sought the recusal of Flávio Dino, a former justice minister under Lula, and Cristiano Zanin, Lula’s former lawyer.

However, the Supreme Court ruled against Bolsonaro’s plea, asserting that the judiciary remains impartial and that the arguments for recusal lacked sufficient legal basis.

Background: Bolsonaro and the Coup Allegations

The case revolves around the 8 January 2023 riots in Brasília, during which Bolsonaro supporters stormed the presidential palace, Congress, and the Supreme Court, demanding military intervention to depose Lula. This event took place just a week after Lula was sworn into office, following his victory over Bolsonaro in the October 2022 elections.

Despite mounting evidence, Bolsonaro, who turns 70 this week, denies any involvement. He claims to be a victim of politically motivated persecution designed to prevent his return to electoral politics.

Bolsonaro’s Political Future

Bolsonaro is currently barred from holding public office until 2030 due to previous unsubstantiated claims of fraud in Brazil’s electronic voting system. However, he hopes to have this ban overturned by Congress, potentially allowing him to run in future elections.

Security Measures for Supreme Court Proceedings

The Supreme Court has announced heightened security measures around its premises in Brasília ahead of the 25 March hearing. According to a judicial source, a decision on Bolsonaro’s trial could be issued on the same day.

Key Takeaways

As the legal proceedings unfold, Brazil remains on high alert, with political tensions running high over the possible trial of its former president.