STF Rejects Bolsonaro's Appeal 9-1, Keeps Moraes in January 8 Coup Probe

Dec 13, 2024, 10:02 PM

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) has rejected former President Jair Bolsonaro's appeal to remove Minister Alexandre de Moraes from leading investigations into his alleged involvement in the January 8 attempted coup d'état. In a virtual session concluded on December 13, the court ruled 9 to 1 against Bolsonaro's request, with Minister André Mendonça casting the sole vote in favor of removing Moraes. Mendonça had previously clashed with Moraes over the events of January 8. Minister Kassio Nunes Marques, also appointed by Bolsonaro, sided with the majority to maintain Moraes as the investigator. The decision affirms Moraes's role in overseeing the inquiries into Bolsonaro's actions related to the supposed attempt to undermine democratic institutions.