In a courtroom declaration, ex-President Jair Bolsonaro has firmly denied any involvement in a plot to overthrow Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, stating that a coup is "abominable" and without possibility during his presidency.
**Bolsonaro Rejects Coup Allegations in Court Appearance**
**Bolsonaro Rejects Coup Allegations in Court Appearance**
Former Brazilian President insists on his innocence amid coup plot charges.
Bolsonaro, now 70, took the stand for the first time in his trial concerning the January 8, 2023, storming of government buildings by his supporters, just days after Lula's inauguration. Accused alongside seven others of various charges, including trying to dismantle the democratic order, Bolsonaro faces significant prison time if found guilty. He categorically refuted the allegations about planning a coup, emphasizing, "On my part... there has never been talk of a coup."
During his court testimony, Bolsonaro also discussed the controversy surrounding Brazil’s electronic voting system, a contentious issue he raised before losing the 2022 election to Lula. He maintained that doubts over the voting machines were not unique to him and were within constitutional rights. Bolsonaro, trained as a military officer and an admirer of former US President Donald Trump, had served as president from 2019 until losing the election in October 2022.
Despite his claims, Bolsonaro's supporters camped outside military barracks after his electoral defeat, urging the military to intervene against Lula's inauguration. This ultimately led to the violent protests when thousands stormed government facilities. Bolsonaro, who was then in the US, has persistently denied any connections to these actions while criticizing the integrity of the voting process in Brazil.
Facing a ban from public office until 2030 related to these claims, Bolsonaro aims to challenge this decision and seeks a comeback in the 2026 presidential race. The trial, which began in May, continues amid significant public and media attention regarding the future of Brazil’s political landscape.
During his court testimony, Bolsonaro also discussed the controversy surrounding Brazil’s electronic voting system, a contentious issue he raised before losing the 2022 election to Lula. He maintained that doubts over the voting machines were not unique to him and were within constitutional rights. Bolsonaro, trained as a military officer and an admirer of former US President Donald Trump, had served as president from 2019 until losing the election in October 2022.
Despite his claims, Bolsonaro's supporters camped outside military barracks after his electoral defeat, urging the military to intervene against Lula's inauguration. This ultimately led to the violent protests when thousands stormed government facilities. Bolsonaro, who was then in the US, has persistently denied any connections to these actions while criticizing the integrity of the voting process in Brazil.
Facing a ban from public office until 2030 related to these claims, Bolsonaro aims to challenge this decision and seeks a comeback in the 2026 presidential race. The trial, which began in May, continues amid significant public and media attention regarding the future of Brazil’s political landscape.
