Defiant Bolsonaro declares he is ‘not afraid of any trial’

Former Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro greets supporters after the launch of a campaign event launching the pre-candidacy of a mayoral candidate in Rio de Janeiro (Silvia Izquierdo/AP)

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro said he was “not afraid of any trial” after documents released by the Supreme Court revealed two top military leaders said the populist plotted to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.

Mr Bolsonaro avoided commenting on the content of any of several investigations targeting him, but claimed he was a victim of “persecution” for causing trouble for the country’s political left.