Brazil’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled on Wednesday to refer former President Jair Bolsonaro to criminal trial over his alleged role in a failed coup attempt, a decision that could lead to imprisonment and crush his ambitions of returning to power.

The ruling follows extensive investigations into Bolsonaro’s actions after his defeat in the 2022 presidential election, particularly his involvement in the January 2023 riots, when his supporters stormed government institutions in Brasília — drawing parallels to the January 6 Capitol attack in the U.S.

With this referral, Bolsonaro will now face federal criminal proceedings, which could result in the suspension of his political rights and a long-term ban from holding public office.

While human rights advocates and opposition figures praised the ruling as a victory for the rule of law, Bolsonaro’s allies denounced the move as a politically motivated attempt to silence the populist leader.