Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted for coup attempt
Introduction
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a coup attempt following his defeat in the 2022 presidential election. The evidence suggests that Bolsonaro played a significant role in the plot:
Federal Police Investigation
Brazil’s Federal Police have formally charged Bolsonaro and 36 others for allegedly attempting to orchestrate a coup to retain power after losing the 2022 election. The police report, spanning 884 pages, characterizes Bolsonaro as a key figure in the conspiracy, not merely a passive observer.
Allegations and Evidence
The investigation revealed several key points:
Active Involvement
Bolsonaro allegedly had “complete knowledge and active involvement” in the coup plot.
Meeting with Military Leaders
In December 2022, Bolsonaro reportedly convened a meeting with armed forces leaders to propose a draft decree that would initiate an inquiry into alleged election fraud while suspending the national electoral court’s authority.
Planned Coup Date
The initial plan was to launch the coup on December 15, 2022.
Assassination Plot
Federal police accused Bolsonaro of having “full knowledge” of a plot to kill his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and overturn the election results.
Legal Proceedings
The Federal Police’s findings have been submitted to Brazil’s Supreme Court. The court will decide whether to refer the case to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will then determine if formal charges should be filed against Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro’s Response
Bolsonaro has denied all claims of involvement in the alleged coup attempt. He announced his intention to legally challenge the accusations, describing the investigators as “imaginative” and engaging in actions “the law does not prescribe”.
Broader Context
This indictment is part of a series of legal challenges Bolsonaro has faced since leaving office, including investigations into diamond smuggling and falsifying COVID-19 vaccination records. The ongoing probes have reportedly weakened Bolsonaro’s status as a leader of Brazil’s right wing.
Conclusion
Bolsonaro maintains his innocence, the Federal Police’s investigation presents substantial evidence of his alleged involvement in a coup attempt following the 2022 Brazilian presidential election.
