In a historic trial at the Supreme Federal Court (STF), Minister Alexandre de Moraes, the case rapporteur, voted on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, to convict former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven other defendants for attempting a coup d’état and four related crimes following the defeat in the 2022 elections. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the investigation of a criminal organization that, according to the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), planned to subvert democracy to keep Bolsonaro in power. The trial, held in Brasília, involves figures such as generals Augusto Heleno and Walter Braga Netto, accused of orchestrating actions to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s inauguration. Moraes’ vote paves the way for the votes of ministers Flávio Dino, Luiz Fux, Cármen Lúcia, and Cristiano Zanin, who presides over the session, in a process that could redefine the boundaries of political accountability in the country.
The PGR’s complaint identifies Bolsonaro as the leader of a criminal structure that, since July 2021, planned actions to destabilize democratic institutions. Documents, meetings, and testimonies reveal a scheme that included draft coup decrees, mobilization of supporters, and even plans for attacks against authorities. The case gained prominence after the January 8, 2023, attacks, when Bolsonaro supporters invaded the headquarters of the Three Powers in Brasília.
- Main crimes charged: coup attempt, criminal association, incitement to crime, violent abolition of the Democratic State, and criminal organization.
- Timeline of the plot: from July 2021 to the events of January 8, 2023.
- Involved defendants: besides Bolsonaro, generals Augusto Heleno, Walter Braga Netto, Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, Almir Garnier, Anderson Torres, Mário Fernandes, and Ailton Barros.
The trial, spanning multiple days, reflects the severity of the accusations and the complexity of the evidence presented, including audios, documents, and testimonies detailing the coup plot.
Detailed planning of the coup plot
The PGR’s complaint describes a structured scheme with a clear hierarchy and division of tasks, led by Bolsonaro. Since mid-2021, the group devised plans to question the legitimacy of the elections and prepare actions to ensure the former president’s continuation in power. A key document, known as the “coup draft,” outlined the declaration of a state of exception outside constitutional provisions, with plans for military intervention and even arrests of authorities, including STF and Superior Electoral Court (TSE) justices.
Moraes emphasized in his vote that the planning included meetings with Armed Forces commanders, where Bolsonaro openly discussed the possibility of “overturning the table” before the elections. The draft, according to the rapporteur, was reviewed by the former president himself, who suggested changes to make it viable. Additionally, the “Punhal Verde e Amarelo” document, found in the archives of Mário Fernandes, a former government aide, detailed concrete steps, such as creating a “crisis cabinet” to govern the country post-coup.
- Seized documents: coup draft, Operation Luneta, and Operation 142.
- Main objective: prevent Lula’s inauguration and keep Bolsonaro in power.
- Military involvement: generals and high-ranking commanders attended strategic meetings.
- Preparatory acts: mobilization of camps and dissemination of narratives against electronic voting machines.
The minister also highlighted the role of digital militias, which amplified Bolsonaro’s speeches questioning the integrity of the voting machines and inciting supporters to violent actions.
Role of the Armed Forces and PRF
The involvement of the military was a central point in Moraes’ vote. Former Defense Minister Paulo Sérgio Nogueira was accused of aligning with Bolsonaro by delaying the delivery of reports on the security of electronic voting machines, reinforcing the narrative of electoral fraud. The Navy commander, Almir Garnier, reportedly offered troops to the then-president, as per the testimony of Brigadier Baptista Júnior.
Another highlighted episode was the Federal Highway Police (PRF) operation during the first round of the 2022 elections. Moraes noted that the PRF conducted operations with an “illicit bias,” such as roadblocks in strategic regions, which could hinder voters’ access to polling stations. The minister ordered the suspension of these operations before the second round, but the non-compliance by PRF directors reinforced suspicions of alignment with the coup plot.
- PRF actions: operations in the first round aimed to hinder voting in Lula-friendly areas.
- Navy involvement: Almir Garnier offered military support to Bolsonaro.
- Defense report: intentional delay to fuel fraud narratives.
These episodes, according to Moraes, demonstrate coordination between government sectors and the military to destabilize the electoral process.
Mobilization of supporters and January 8 events
After Bolsonaro’s electoral defeat, the criminal organization intensified efforts to mobilize supporters. Camps set up in front of military barracks, funded by groups linked to the former president, served as bases for spreading coup narratives. Moraes noted that General Braga Netto maintained direct contact with these groups, encouraging actions like those on January 8, 2023.
The attack on the Three Powers’ headquarters, according to the rapporteur, was the culmination of a series of planned actions since 2021. Although Bolsonaro was in the United States during the acts, Moraes argued that his absence was strategic, comparing him to a mafia leader who distances himself from direct actions but retains command.
- Camps: organized with logistical and financial support from Bolsonaro’s allies.
- January 8: final attempt to prevent Lula’s government consolidation.
- Fraud narrative: amplified by Bolsonaro’s live broadcasts and speeches.
- Strategic absence: Bolsonaro’s trip to the U.S. does not exempt his responsibility, per Moraes.
The minister also mentioned the foiled attack at Guarulhos Airport in December 2022 as part of the plan to create instability and justify an intervention.
Reactions and next steps in the trial
Moraes’ vote, which took hours during the STF session, was marked by clashes with other justices. Luiz Fux questioned the permission for Flávio Dino’s interventions during the reading, highlighting tensions in the courtroom. Attention now turns to the votes of the other justices, expected in the coming days. The definition of penalties, if the conviction is upheld, will also be a central point, with the possibility of severe punishments, including imprisonment and ineligibility.
Bolsonaro’s defense claims a lack of direct evidence linking the former president to the January 8 acts, but Moraes countered that leading a criminal organization does not require physical presence in the final acts. He compared Bolsonaro’s role to that of leaders who delegate tasks but maintain strategic control.
- Upcoming votes: Dino, Fux, Cármen Lúcia, and Zanin will decide the case’s outcome.
- Possible penalties: imprisonment, fines, and ineligibility for up to eight years.
- Defense argument: lack of direct evidence against Bolsonaro.
The trial continues to be closely followed by jurists, politicians, and the public, given its impact on national politics and the defense of democracy.
Critical moments of the coup plot
The PGR’s complaint details specific episodes that highlight the coup attempt. In July 2022, a ministerial meeting was described by Moraes as “coup-oriented,” with the unusual presence of military commanders. Bolsonaro reportedly stated he would only leave power “arrested, dead, or victorious,” reinforcing his intent to reject the election results.
Another critical moment was the September 7, 2022, speech, when Bolsonaro escalated attacks on the STF and TSE, calling justices “scoundrels” and threatening to disregard court decisions. These statements, according to Moraes, aimed to incite supporters and create a climate of instability.
- July meeting: marked by Bolsonaro and allies’ talks of “overturning the table.”
- September 7: speeches in Brasília and São Paulo incited supporters.
- Digital militias: spread misinformation about electronic voting machines.
- Coup draft: document outlined a state of exception and arrests of authorities.
The plot, according to the rapporteur, was meticulously planned, with a division of tasks among civilians, military personnel, and political allies.