RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faces a serious legal challenge as he was indicted for allegedly falsifying COVID-19 vaccination certificates. The indictment, unveiled by Federal Police, accuses Bolsonaro of instructing his aide-de-camp to manipulate public health records to show that he and his daughter had received the vaccine, a requirement for travel to the U.S.
The aide reportedly arranged for false data to be inserted into the system, leading to the creation of fabricated vaccination certificates inside the presidential palace. Bolsonaro, who has denied any wrongdoing, could face up to 12 years in prison if charged and convicted.
Aside from the vaccination scandal, Bolsonaro is also under investigation for attempting to smuggle expensive diamond jewelry into Brazil and his alleged involvement in a January 2023 uprising following his electoral defeat. The former president's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has also come under scrutiny, with accusations of downplaying the severity of the virus and obstructing vaccine procurement efforts.
The indictment implicates Bolsonaro's aide and 15 others in the falsification scheme. While Bolsonaro's legal team denies his direct involvement, the investigation is ongoing to determine if the fabricated certificates were used during their travel to the U.S.
The indictment marks a significant development in the legal troubles facing Bolsonaro, who has already been barred from running for office until 2030 due to electoral misconduct. Despite his loyal support base, the indictment could signal a challenging legal battle ahead for the former president.
