Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) was officially charged on Tuesday by Brazil's Attorney General, Paulo Gonet. The accusation claims that Bolsonaro led an attempted coup after losing the 2022 general elections in order to prevent the inauguration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This is the first time a former president of Brazil has been accused by the Attorney General of leading a coup. The accusation must be evaluated by the Supreme Federal Court, the country's highest court, and if accepted, could result in the imprisonment of the former president.
According to the Attorney General's accusation, Bolsonaro allegedly committed crimes of attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup d'état, aggravated harm by violence, and serious threats against federal property, in addition to participating in a criminal organization. A total of 33 individuals, including military personnel, secretaries, and former ministers, were charged for participating in the scheme, which dates back to 2024 when retired Army General Walter Braga Netto was arrested. He had been the chief of ministers and Bolsonaro's vice-presidential candidate in 2022.
The Attorney General's investigation is based on testimonies provided in plea agreements by Mauro Cid, a military officer who was Bolsonaro's presidential aide and secretary. Additionally, the Federal Police have been investigating preparations to deny Lula's victory and to prepare the country for a state of national commotion. Among the actions detected by investigators was the planning to assassinate or kidnap Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Judge Moraes.
Bolsonaro is currently barred by electoral justice from participating in elections until 2030 due to a conviction for spreading false information about the security of electronic voting machines. He also faces investigations for forging COVID-19 vaccination certificates and for alleged smuggling and theft of jewelry received by the Brazilian presidency during his term. If found guilty, Bolsonaro could face a sentence of up to 28 years in prison.
The coup plot denounced by the Attorney General is linked to the attempted coup on January 8, 2023, when Bolsonaro supporters invaded and damaged the headquarters of the three powers in Brasília, demanding the Armed Forces to stage a coup a week before Lula's inauguration on January 1.
