On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) confirmed that ministers Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Dino, and Cristiano Zanin will participate in the upcoming trial concerning the coup plot against the government of President Lula, set for March 25.
In a decisive vote, the Court finalized the virtual hearings regarding the appeals made by former president Jair Bolsonaro and generals Braga Netto and Mário Fernandes, seeking to disqualify the ministers from the proceedings. The vote concluded with 9 in favor and 1 against, with the sole dissenting voice coming from Minister André Mendonça. The attempts to remove Zanin were unanimously rejected, as all ten ministers present voted against the motion.
Minister Mendonça argued that Moraes should recuse himself from the case since he was a victim of the alleged assassination attempt connected to the coup plot. Regarding Dino, he expressed that Dino’s prior legal actions against Bolsonaro prevented him from serving as a fair judge in this case. However, he did not find any reason to remove Zanin from the trial due to his past involvement with the campaign of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Last month, STF President Luís Roberto Barroso dismissed the defense requests to disqualify Zanin and Dino, prompting the former president's legal team to escalate the matter to the full court for reconsideration. They claimed Dino initiated a criminal complaint against Bolsonaro while serving as Minister of Justice and went after Zanin, who pursued legal actions against Bolsonaro during the 2022 elections.
In a statement, Barroso emphasized that a fair judicial process requires impartiality, and any previous actions by the ministers do not inherently mean they are incapable of adjudicating fairly. With the trial approaching, the tension is palpable.
As the March 25 trial date looms, the climate surrounding the STF has noticeably intensified, marked by an uptick in threats and hostile sentiments toward its members. Reports suggest that these threats have escalated following Zanin’s scheduling of the trial.
The STF's Ombudsman has been monitoring the situation, which has prompted the court to discuss a special security plan for the upcoming sessions. Security measures are in active development, with the aim of protecting court officials and maintaining order during this pivotal event.
Beginning from early this week, the Supreme Court has been mapping out comprehensive security protocols ahead of the trial. Measures are to include enhanced security presence and facility access controls aimed at minimizing disruptions without compromising the integrity of the judicial process.
Significant adjustments will be made, such as the installation of fences around the court buildings and collaboration with local law enforcement to increase patrols in critical areas. A meeting this Thursday between the STF's Public Security Secretariat and Governor Ibaneis Rocha discussed the appropriate level of reinforcement needed around the Court during the trial period, which may include restricting access to the Esplanada dos Ministérios if necessary.
Meanwhile, the President of the First Panel, Cristiano Zanin Martins, will oversee the proceedings comprised of Alexandre de Moraes, Flávio Dino, and other key figures who play crucial roles in this landmark judgment. The panel will evaluate the implications of the allegations against Bolsonaro, which also include significant political figures tied to his administration.
The accusation that Bolsonaro and seven others attempted to undermine the democratic transition has resounded throughout the country, positioning this trial at the center of national discourse. The high stakes of this trial not only reflect the political struggles of recent years but also the ongoing battle over the principles of democracy in Brazil.
Scheduled sessions will occur on March 25 and 26, during which the panel will consider arguments from the prosecution as well as the defense, weighing the claims that they conspired in an attempt to execute a coup d’état.
The accused include prominent figures, such as Jair Bolsonaro, former Río de Janeiro governor Alexandre Ramagem, and ex-Minister of Defense Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, among others. Ultimately, the outcome of this trial could significantly influence Brazil's political landscape and the future of its democratic institutions.
The STF is committed to upholding judicial integrity while ensuring the safety of all participants involved. The evolving security measures are a testament to the weight of this trial and the potential ramifications it holds for Brazil.
