Brasilia, Brazil – Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other individuals were indicted by Brazilian authorities as part of an investigation into an alleged coup plot to retain power after the election of his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The indictment of Bolsonaro and the other individuals comes after the federal police in Brazil accused him of having “full knowledge” of a plan to obstruct Lula and his government from assuming office following his election victory in 2022. The investigation report, hundreds of pages long, has been sent to the Supreme Court in Brasilia for further review by Brazil’s attorney general.
Although Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied claims of attempting to stay in power after Lula’s presidential win, he and the other indicted individuals will potentially face a trial next year, depending on the decision made by the attorney general. In response to the indictment, Bolsonaro stated that he has not yet seen it and will wait for his lawyer to review it.
Among those indicted are several notable figures, including former aides, front-bench politicians who were key players in Bolsonaro’s first government, and retired generals. The alleged coup plot also involved military personnel with special forces training and a plan to establish an “Institutional Crisis Management Office” under the control of the coup plotters.
The indictment follows the recent arrest of five individuals, including a former advisor to Bolsonaro, in connection to the same investigation. The alleged coup plotters had envisioned assassinating Lula’s Vice President and a Supreme Court Justice, according to authorities.
President Lula expressed gratitude for escaping the assassination attempt and criticized the actions of those involved in the plot. Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his involvement in presenting a document detailing legal mechanisms to maintain his grip on power. Amidst the political turmoil and unrest in Brasilia, the aftermath of the disputed presidential election continues to unfold.
This developing story will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.