Authorities in Brazil have arrested five officers accused of planning a coup that included overthrowing the government after the 2022 elections and targeting then-President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The arrested individuals, including four special operations military personnel and a federal police officer, also planned to harm Lula's running mate and a Supreme Court Justice.
The arrests were made following a broader plan to carry out a coup d’état, as stated by the judge who authorized the arrests. The plot was allegedly part of an effort to prevent the inauguration of the legitimately elected government and undermine democracy in Brazil.
The investigation revealed that a retired brigadier general played a key role in linking pro-Bolsonaro camps to the former president's Cabinet. The plan outlined by the arrested officers included scenarios of using explosives or poison to assassinate key figures.
Former President Bolsonaro, who had a history of criticizing the Supreme Court, is also under investigation for potential involvement in inciting an uprising to oust his successor. The investigation uncovered documents detailing plans to overthrow the government and establish a Crisis Cabinet led by high-ranking generals.
While no assassination attempts were carried out, evidence suggests that the plotters were monitoring and following their targets. The investigation also revealed that some documents related to the coup were printed inside the presidential palace during Bolsonaro's term.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case, including a recent explosion outside the Supreme Court in Brasilia, which is being treated as a terrorist act. The Brazilian military has distanced itself from the arrested suspects and emphasized that they were not involved in providing security for the G20 summit.
The developments in Brazil have raised concerns about the stability of the country's democracy and the potential threats posed by extremist elements. The ongoing investigation is expected to shed more light on the motives and extent of the coup plot.
