The Supreme Federal Court (STF) scheduled the hearings of 15 witnesses appointed by the former president’s legal team (2019-2022), including prominent figures from Bolsonaro’s political and military surroundings, including São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas; former Vice President and Senator Hamilton Mourão; Liberal Party leader Valdemar Costa; and former ministers Paulo Guedes (Economy) and Ciro Nogueira (Civil House).
The trial is based on evidence presented by the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, a draft decree declaring a state of siege and the confession of former Bolsonaro aide, Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid.
The statements are part of the criminal investigation phase of the trial, which runs from May 19th to June 2nd. During this period, testimony is expected to be taken from a total of 82 persons, including senior military commanders, former ministers, police officers, and officials nominated by the Attorney General’s Office and the defendants’ defense attorneys.
According to the Brazilian Code of Criminal Procedure, the statements will not be broadcasted publicly nor recorded in order to preserve the integrity of the trial.
The defendants face charges of attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup d’état, armed criminal organization, and other serious crimes.
The trial is considered one of the most significant in Brazil’s recent history, given its impact on the country’s democratic stability and the political future of Bolsonaro, who was barred from office by the Supreme Electoral Court until 2030.
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