EX PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO COURTCASE 26 MARCH 2025
By AI-ChatGPT4o-T.Chr.-Human Synthesis-26 March 2026
On March 25, 2025, Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro must stand trial for allegedly orchestrating a coup attempt to remain in power after his 2022 election defeat. A panel of five justices voted unanimously to accept the charges, which include leading a plot to overthrow the government and undermine democracy. ​
Alongside Bolsonaro, seven close allies, including former ministers of Defense and Security, and his former intelligence chief, will also face trial for their involvement in the alleged conspiracy. ​
The charges stem from a plan, referred to as "Daga Verde e Amarela" ("Green and Yellow Dagger"), which allegedly aimed to create social and political chaos, including plots to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and a Supreme Court justice.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face a prison sentence of up to 43 years.
Bolsonaro's defense team will now have to fight the case in court. His lawyers are expected to argue that the evidence against him is weak, politically motivated, or misinterpreted. They have already tried to dismiss key testimonies, including that of Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro’s former aide, who turned state witness and provided details about the alleged coup plans.
Since the Supreme Court has accepted the charges, the next steps will likely include Bolsonaro’s formal indictment, hearings, and a full trial. His defense will likely try to delay proceedings, challenge evidence, and seek favorable rulings. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 43 years in prison.
His legal team is also expected to appeal to international bodies, claiming judicial persecution. This case will be a major test of Brazil’s judicial system and democracy.
​Jair Bolsonaro's defense is led by attorney Celso Vilardi, who has previously represented notable clients such as former Workers' Party treasurer Delúbio Soares and companies associated with businessman Eike Batista. Vilardi has been actively involved in Bolsonaro's current legal proceedings, including requesting the recusal of Supreme Court Justices Cristiano Zanin and Flávio Dino from the trial. ​​
