Public Defender's Office Seeks Trial Postponement for Eduardo Bolsonaro at Supreme Court

Brazil's Public Defender's Office (DPU) has formally requested that the Supreme Court postpone a trial against Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The trial, scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, investigates Bolsonaro's alleged role in coercing processes related to a supposed coup plot.

The DPU's argument hinges on the First Panel of the Supreme Court (STF) having an incomplete composition for the past eight months. This vacancy, created by Justice Luís Roberto Barroso's retirement in October 2025, could compromise the trial's outcome, the DPU contends. If the panel proceeds with only four ministers, a 2-2 split decision would stall the ruling and create future procedural complications.

Furthermore, the defense has raised the possibility of recusing Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the rapporteur, from the case. If this recusal is accepted, the panel would deliberate with only three votes, further complicating the legal process. To avoid these issues, the DPU invoked Article 41 of the STF's Internal Regulations, which calls for a minister from the Second Panel to complete the quorum.

The case stems from a complaint by the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR), alleging that Eduardo Bolsonaro, while in the United States, actively sought sanctions against Brazilian authorities. The PGR claims this action aimed to pressure the STF ahead of its ruling that convicted Jair Bolsonaro for attempting a coup. The vacant seat on the court has been a point of political contention, with the Senate reportedly delaying the confirmation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's nominee, Jorge Messias.