BRASILIA – The reinforced scheme for the trial of Jair Bolsonaro and seven others accused of plotting a coup d'état is already underway at the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Thirty police officers from courts across Brazil have been called in to ensure the security of the building, the justices, and the surrounding area.

They are sleeping inside the courthouse and are expected to remain there until September 29th, when Justice Edson Fachin will be sworn in as president of the Court, replacing Luís Roberto Barroso. The criminal trial begins on September 2nd and is scheduled to conclude on the 12th.

The reinforced team must also ensure the security of September 7th. Independence Day became associated with pro-Bolsonaro demonstrations in the streets. On these occasions, the Judiciary is often attacked, as are Supreme Court justices.

The fences surrounding the Supreme Federal Court (STF) will remain in place, and access to the Three Powers Square will be restricted. The justices' residences will be subject to sweeping, a procedure that is performed weekly, even when there are no important trials scheduled.

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The Supreme Federal Court (STF) also intensified its collaboration with the Federal District's Public Security Secretariat. A set of measures was defined to prevent invasions or other types of attacks on the court and its justices.

The Supreme Federal Court's security concerns have increased in recent years, as attacks on the Court have increased, especially after January 8, 2023, when the court's headquarters were invaded, along with the National Congress and the Planalto Palace. Still, on November 13 of last year, a man detonated explosives in front of the Supreme Court and died.

Before these attacks, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) had already reinforced security near Sete de Setembro and also during trials considered more tense. Now, the two factors will be combined.