The broader context reflects shifts in diplomatic relations surrounding the case, including past strains and later fluctuations.

Prosecutors say the coup plot involved plans to assassinate Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Judge Alexandre de Moraes, contributing to political tensions and affecting U.S.-Brazil relations.

The case has featured tensions with the United States, including past sanctions and a later thaw in ties, amid ongoing political contention.

The majority of Brazil's Supreme Court panel has upheld former President Bolsonaro's 27-year-and-three-month sentence for attempting a coup and related charges, with the verdict reinforcing his high culpability.

Health considerations from a 2018 stabbing could allow Bolsonaro to serve the sentence under house arrest, and similar health-based confinement was approved for another former president earlier in 2025.

Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August, and he will not be jailed unless all legal avenues are exhausted and appeals are denied.

Prosecutors say the plan would have included assassinations but lacked military backing, and the failure to gain top military support prevented execution.

Bolsonaro was convicted in September of attempting to prevent Lula from taking power and was then placed under house arrest, with the sentence including charges of participating in an armed criminal organization and attempting to abolish democratic rule of law.

Judge Alexandre de Moraes and the panel concluded there was sufficient evidence Bolsonaro knew of the plot and actively spread false information about the electronic voting system, drafting a coup decree.

Moraes, as rapporteur, rejected defense arguments of omissions or ambiguities and affirmed Bolsonaro's high culpability, with other justices concurring.

The panel has a deadline around mid-November to submit votes, with final decisions potentially changing up to that point but unlikely.

Former Justice Luiz Fux, who originally dissented, no longer participates in the review as he has left the panel.