Bolsonaro rejects coup accusations and demands acquittal

Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly planning a coup attempt against the government of his successor Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after his election defeat in 2022. The Attorney General's Office sees him as the main actor in "the most serious acts to destroy the democratic legal order" in Brazil.

Lawyers: there is "not a single piece of evidence"

The right-wing ex-president's lawyers rejected the accusations. Bolsonaro had "never joined an alleged conspiracy" and there was "not a single piece of evidence" linking him to the plans or the riots. He had "always defended democracy and the rule of law" and had never tried to prevent Lula from taking office. Bolsonaro also accused the press of a "media massacre" and prejudgement.

Following the closing statement already submitted by the public prosecutor's office and the defense's subsequent statement, the trial is now entering its final phase. A decision on the conviction or acquittal of Bolsonaro and his co-defendants is expected in the coming weeks. The 70-year-old is currently under house arrest - ordered by federal judge Alexandre de Moraes due to alleged violations of conditions.