**Bolsonaro's Coup Trial Set to Begin as Brazil Struggles with Political Turmoil**

**In a landmark decision, Brazil's Supreme Court orders former President Jair Bolsonaro to trial over his alleged coup attempt that threatened the integrity of the nation’s democratic process.**

Former President Jair Bolsonaro finds himself at the center of a historical legal battle as Brazil’s highest court ruled on Wednesday that he will stand trial for his involvement in a conspiracy to retain power after losing the 2022 presidential elections. The charges against him include attempts to nullify the election results and alleged plots against the president-elect's life.

This ruling, hailed by many as a necessary stride towards accountability, underscores Brazil’s ongoing struggle to safeguard its democratic principles. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, chief of the Supreme Court overseeing the case, affirmed that Bolsonaro had direct knowledge and engagement in a conspiracy that aimed to overthrow legitimate governance.

Bolsonaro, along with seven key associates—including his former running mate and a high-ranking former intelligence official—faces severe allegations including “violent dismantling of the democratic order” and “coup d’état.” The decision to move forward with these serious charges comes after a thorough investigation led by federal prosecutors last month. Notably, while attending an initial hearing with his legal team, Bolsonaro chose to remain silent, reiterating his stance of innocence and claiming the allegations are politically driven.

Celso Sanchez Vilardi, one of Bolsonaro's attorneys, acknowledged the existence of a coup plan, calling its implications “very grave.” However, he argued that his client should not be implicated in the schematics of the plot itself, sparking further debate about the extent of Bolsonaro's engagement in this controversial episode of Brazil's tumultuous political narrative.