STF maintains 15 days to defend Bolsonaro in PGR complaint

Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) rejected the request for the defense of former President Jair Bolsonaro to extend the period of response to the complaint of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR).

The defense had asked for more time to access all evidence and for the demonstration to occur after Lieutenant Colonel Mauro Cid, who signed award-winning agreement. However, Moraes maintained a period of 15 days, stating that access to the tests is already guaranteed.

Bolsonaro’s lawyers also requested a period of 83 days, equivalent to the time that PGR took to submit the complaint after the Federal Police report. In addition, they requested a double term due to the number of defendants involved in the process. Moraes denied all requests, noting that the legislation provides for a period of 15 days and that the alternative deadlines have no legal basis.

PGR’s complaint accuses Bolsonaro, former minister Walter Braga Netto and 32 others to participate in a plot to keep Bolsonaro in power after his defeat in the 2022 elections. Crimes include armed criminal organization, coup and attempted abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law. The complaint will be analyzed by the first class of the Supreme Court after release of the rapporteur, Minister Alexandre de Moraes.

According to the PGR, Bolsonaro led a criminal organization with the objective of carrying out a coup d’état, using a rooted structure in the state itself and with the strong influence of military sectors. The prosecution points out that the responsibility for acts harmful to the democratic order falls on this organization, led by Bolsonaro.