Former Brazilian President Charged with Coup Attempt
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 associates faced indictment from federal police on Thursday. They are accused of trying to stage a coup to keep Bolsonaro in power after his defeat in the 2022 elections.
The Associated Press reported that the indictment will be submitted to Brazil’s Supreme Court, where it will be handed over to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. Gonet will decide whether to dismiss the investigation or proceed with a trial against Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro, who has right-leaning political views, has rejected accusations that he sought to remain in power after losing to left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Following his electoral loss, Bolsonaro initiated a strong campaign against Lula’s government, claiming the election was manipulated.
Just one week after Lula assumed office, Bolsonaro’s supporters violently stormed the buildings of Brazil’s Supreme Court, Congress, and the presidential palace. Many of those involved are expected to face trial.
Since his removal from office, Bolsonaro has dealt with several legal challenges. In June 2023, electoral judges ruled to prohibit him from holding public office for the next eight years. They determined that he undermined public trust in Brazil’s democratic institutions and posed a risk to political stability.
In July, Bolsonaro was also indicted for allegedly receiving undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia while he was in office, which is part of a broader investigation involving money laundering and organized crime.
Additionally, he was accused in March of falsifying COVID-19 vaccination records. Bolsonaro has consistently denied any wrongdoing in these cases.
Recently, Brazilian police arrested four military personnel and a federal officer for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and harm Lula and other officials following the 2022 election.
