Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled that former President Jair Bolsonaro must face trial over accusations of participating in a scheme to overturn the results of the 2022 election. Bolsonaro is among 34 individuals charged last month with five crimes, including attempting a coup d’état.

Prosecutors allege that part of the coup plot included a potential plan to assassinate elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, his vice president, and a Supreme Court minister. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations baseless.

The case marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the former leader, who has remained a polarizing figure in Brazilian politics since leaving office. The Supreme Court’s decision paves the way for a high-profile trial that could have major implications for the country’s political landscape.

No date has been set for the trial, but the charges carry serious consequences if convictions are secured. Legal experts say the proceedings will be closely watched as a test of Brazil’s democratic institutions. Bolsonaro’s supporters have dismissed the case as politically motivated, while his opponents argue it is a necessary step to uphold the rule of law.

“We will prove the absurdity of these allegations,” a spokesperson for Bolsonaro said in response to the court’s decision. Meanwhile, Lula’s administration has emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “No one is above the law, and justice must prevail.”

The trial is expected to further deepen divisions in Brazil, where Bolsonaro retains a strong base of loyal followers. The Supreme Court’s involvement underscores the gravity of the charges, which could redefine the former president’s legacy.