Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro denied any involvement in an alleged coup plot to overturn the 2022 election he lost to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during his first testimony before the Supreme Court.

Bolsonaro and seven allies face charges of planning to stay in power despite defeat, with possible prison terms up to 40 years.

The prosecution says the plot failed due to lack of military support, Al-Jazeera has reported.

A co-defendant turned witness testified that Bolsonaro reviewed and edited a draft decree for a state of emergency and that cash was allegedly provided to fund a plan to assassinate Lula, his vice president, and a top judge.

Written by B.C. Begley