Brazil's Bolsonaro seeks acquittal in coup attempt trial

BOGOTA, Colombia

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has asked to be acquitted in the final stage of his trial over an alleged coup attempt aimed at overturning the 2022 election won by current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

In a 197-page submission to the Supreme Court, Bolsonaro’s lawyers said he “is innocent of all positions presented in the complaint” and that there is a “complete lack of evidence.”

“The former president did not engage in any conduct with the objective of preventing or hindering the inauguration of the then-elected president,” the document said. “On the contrary, he always defended and reaffirmed democracy and the rule of law.”

Bolsonaro, 70, is accused of the attempted abolition of the democratic state, orchestrating a coup d’etat and other crimes. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison. The trial is expected to conclude in September.

The right-wing former leader has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, claiming he is being persecuted. He is under house arrest after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that he violated a ban on using social media. In recent weeks, he has been ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor, had his phones seized, and has been barred from making calls.

Six other defendants are also facing charges in the case, including forming an armed criminal organization, the attempted violent abolition of the democratic state of law and a coup d’etat.

The proceedings have drawn international attention, including from US political figures.

Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, the former president’s son, is leading a campaign to have the magistrates judging his father arrested.

US President Donald Trump has linked a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports and economic sanctions against Justice de Moraes to what he calls a “witch hunt” against his ally. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also criticized the prosecution.