Brazil’s Attorney General Paulo Gonet Branco on Tuesday formally charged former President Jair Bolsonaro and 33 others over an alleged coup attempt following his 2022 election loss.
Bolsonaro, 69, and his co-defendants face five charges, including armed criminal organization, over their alleged efforts to block President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming office.
Key Allegations
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the indictment is based on manuscripts, digital files, spreadsheets, and message exchanges that expose a conspiratorial plot to disrupt democracy.
- Bolsonaro and his running mate, Walter Braga Netto, allegedly led a coordinated effort involving civilians and military personnel to prevent the election results from being implemented.
- The 800-page police report, released after a two-year investigation, found that Bolsonaro was “fully aware and actively participated” in the plot.
- Investigators also uncovered a plan to assassinate Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and a high-profile judge, allegedly with Bolsonaro’s approval.
- The January 8, 2023 riots in Brasília—when Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings—were described as the “final attempt” to disrupt the transition of power.
Bolsonaro Denies Accusations
Bolsonaro dismissed the allegations, calling them political persecution.
His son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, posted on X:
“The attempted coup d’état has become an empty accusation, with absolutely no evidence against Bolsonaro.”
Bolsonaro’s defense team said they were “shocked” and “indignant”, insisting he was never involved in any plot against democracy.
In a recent CNN Brasil interview, Bolsonaro mocked the allegations:
“What coup? That I was planning one while at Disney with Mickey, Goofy, and Donald Duck?”
Supreme Court to Decide Bolsonaro’s Fate
The Supreme Court will now review the charges and determine whether to open formal proceedings. The court has already convicted nearly 400 people for their roles in the January 8 riots.
Despite facing multiple legal challenges, Bolsonaro is attempting to overturn his political ban—which prevents him from holding office until 2030—in hopes of running in the 2026 presidential election.
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