The President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, defended the presumption of innocence of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), who is being accused of crimes related to the attempted coup d'état in 2022. Lula da Silva stated that in Brazil, all individuals have the right to the presumption of innocence during a press conference from the Palácio da Planalto.
The Attorney General's Office (PGR) filed charges against Bolsonaro and 33 other individuals in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) for their alleged participation in an attempted coup d'état, violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, and criminal organization to prevent Lula da Silva's return to power after the 2022 elections.
According to the investigation by the Federal Police, the events occurred after Lula da Silva's victory in the 2022 general elections and involve high-ranking officials in Bolsonaro's government, including military personnel. Bolsonaro's defense has denied the allegations, claiming that the former president did not participate in any movement to undermine the Democratic Rule of Law or its institutions.
Lula da Silva emphasized that if it is proven that there was no coup attempt or attempted harm against the president, vice president, and president of the Electoral Supreme Court at that time, the accused will be acquitted and may move freely throughout Brazil. On the other hand, if the judge concludes that they are guilty, they will have to face the consequences for their actions.
