RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Former president Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil has denied allegations of orchestrating an attempted coup to retain power after losing the 2022 election. The charges, brought forth by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, accuse Bolsonaro of devising a complex scheme to stay in office, including plans to poison current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
Lula responded by stating that the current stage is only the indictment phase and emphasized that Bolsonaro and the others accused have the right to defend themselves. Bolsonaro, in his defense, claimed that the accusations were a tactic used by authoritarian regimes to create internal enemies and justify persecution and censorship.
The charges against Bolsonaro stem from a Federal Police investigation that detailed a comprehensive plan to undermine the electoral system, pressure military officials, and incite unrest in the capital. The report highlighted the crucial role of military personnel in thwarting the alleged coup attempt.
The Ministry of Defense in Brazil acknowledged the importance of distinguishing individual conduct from that of the Armed Forces and expressed support for the charges as a step towards accountability. Legal experts noted that Bolsonaro's dismissal of the accusations as political persecution does not negate the factual and legal basis of the indictment.
In response to questions from journalists, Lula emphasized the presumption of innocence for all accused parties. He stated that if the accused can prove their innocence regarding the coup attempt and assassination plots, they will be exonerated. However, if found guilty by the judiciary, they will face consequences for their actions.
