BRASILIA—Brazil’s rightwing former president Jair Bolsonaro will take the stand next week in his trial on charges of trying to stage a coup to retain power after an election loss, as the proceedings enter a new phase.
Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes on Monday ordered “the questioning of the accused” — Bolsonaro and others — in “an in-person session” starting Monday next week and running to Friday at the latest.
Bolsonaro faces a sentence of up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors say Brazil’s president from 2019-2022 led a “criminal organization” plotting to undo the presidential election victory in 2022 of his leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The plot failed, the charge sheet says, because of a lack of military backing.
Bolsonaro also stands accused of being aware of a plot to assassinate Lula, his vice president Geraldo Alckmin, and judge Moraes — an arch-foe.
The court has heard from dozens of witnesses for the prosecution and defense, including senior military officials, former ministers, police officers, and intelligence officials in hearings that started last month.
Bolsonaro, 70, denies any role in a coup attempt and claims to be a victim of political persecution.
Two former military commanders have told the court Bolsonaro had presented them with a plan to prevent Lula from taking power. Both refused to go along.
