Brazil’s Supreme Court justices have accepted charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro related to an alleged attempt to remain in power following his 2022 election loss, ordering him to stand trial.

The unanimous decision by the five justices supports the accusations made by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. Gonet alleges that Bolsonaro and 33 others plotted a coup, including schemes to poison current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court judge.

The court also ruled that seven of Bolsonaro’s close associates should face trial on multiple charges, including attempting a coup, involvement in a criminal organization, attempts to violently overthrow the democratic state, property damage involving violence and threats to state assets, and destruction of protected heritage sites.

Bolsonaro maintains his innocence, claiming political persecution. His lawyer has not yet responded to requests for comment.

A coup conviction carries a maximum sentence of 12 years. If convicted on all charges, Bolsonaro could face decades in prison.

“Coups result in death,” Justice Flávio Dino stated during his vote, “Regardless of when they occur.”

Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet stated Tuesday that the accused sought to keep Bolsonaro in office “at all costs,” through a plan that escalated after his defeat to Lula.

Gonet’s February indictment stated the plot included plans to assassinate Lula and Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who were allegedly under surveillance by the conspirators.

The plan was abandoned when the army commander refused to participate, according to Gonet.

“The criminal organization was frustrated but did not abandon its aim to violently seize power, even after the elected president was inaugurated,” Gonet said.

He referred to the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasilia, where Bolsonaro’s supporters attacked the Supreme Court, presidential palace, and Congress a week after Lula’s inauguration.

Justice De Moraes presented a video of the events to the panel. “We experienced a violent coup attempt,” he stated. “It was a brutal display of incivility, demanding military intervention in .”

Bolsonaro’s 2022 running mate and former Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto, ex-Justice Minister Anderson Torres, and his aide Mauro Cid are among those who will also stand trial. The court will decide on the fate of the remaining individuals at a later time.

Bolsonaro, a former military officer known for his admiration for Brazil’s 1964-1985 dictatorship, openly challenged the country’s judicial system during his 2019-2022 presidency.

“`