Brazilian Court Hears Explosive Testimomies on Bolsonaro Coup Plot

Brazilian Supreme Court hears testimonies on 2022 election interference scheme. In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the attempted coup in Brazil, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) has begun hearing testimonies from witnesses. The hearings, which began on May 19th, are focused on the 'núcleo 1' group, eight defendants including former President Jair Bolsonaro, accused of involvement in the January 8th events. One key witness, General Freire Gomes, confirmed participation in a meeting with Bolsonaro in December 2022 to discuss a plan for a coup d'état following Lula's election victory. "There was a discussion about a coup plan," General Gomes stated in his testimony. The STF's decision to conduct the hearings in a closed setting, barring the press from audio and video recording, has raised concerns about transparency. This decision, unusual for such proceedings, has prompted questions about the court's commitment to open justice. The testimony of Adiel Pereira, a former intelligence coordinator for the Federal Highway Police, further sheds light on the alleged scheme to disrupt voting in the 2022 elections. Pereira confirmed receiving orders to support operations targeting buses on northeastern highways, areas with high support for Lula. The STF's investigation continues, and the testimonies are expected to play a crucial role in determining the extent of involvement in the attempted coup.