Brazil's prosecutor-general has filed charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly attempting a coup to stay in office after his defeat in the 2022 election. The charges also involve 33 other individuals who are accused of participating in the plan to retain power despite losing to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Last November, the Federal Police submitted an 884-page report detailing the alleged scheme to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. The report claims that the plan included spreading distrust of the electoral system among the public, creating a decree to provide a legal facade to the plot, pressuring high-ranking military officials to support the plan, and inciting a riot in the capital.
If the charges are accepted by the Supreme Court, Bolsonaro will face trial for his involvement in the alleged coup attempt. Despite the accusations, the former president has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he has no concerns about the charges. He also mentioned that he has not seen the supposed coup decree.
A lawyer representing Bolsonaro did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter. The case is expected to undergo further analysis by the Supreme Court as the legal process unfolds.
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