Brazil's Supreme Court Rejects Bolsonaro's Bid to Remove Moraes in 6-0 Vote on Alleged 2022 Coup Inquiry

Dec 6, 2024, 06:14 PM

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) has formed a majority to reject former President Jair Bolsonaro's request to remove Minister Alexandre de Moraes from leading the investigation into the alleged attempted coup of 2022. The virtual session began on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. and will run until December 13. Ministers Luís Roberto Barroso, who had previously denied the request in February, Edson Fachin, Gilmar Mendes, Flávio Dino, Cristiano Zanin, and Dias Toffoli voted against Bolsonaro's appeal. Minister Alexandre de Moraes recused himself from voting. The defense argued that Moraes should be removed due to alleged partiality, citing that he is a victim in the investigation. The STF's majority decision allows Moraes to continue overseeing the inquiry into the supposed coup attempt.