Brazil's prosecutor-general charges former president Bolsonaro over alleged coup plot

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil’s prosecutor-general has filed formal charges against former president Jair Bolsonaro, accusing him of attempting a coup after his loss in the 2022 election. The charges relate to a plan to stay in power despite his defeat to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet claims that Bolsonaro, along with 33 other individuals, took part in a scheme to overturn the election results and retain power. In a statement, the prosecutor-general’s office said, “The indictments … describe, in detail, the conspiratorial plot set up and executed against democratic institutions," with Bolsonaro accused of masterminding the plan.

Report from Federal Police details scheme

Last November, Brazil’s Federal Police submitted an 884-page report to the prosecutor-general’s office. The document outlines how the plot was allegedly carried out, including actions to undermine trust in the electoral system, the drafting of a decree to make the plan appear legitimate, pressure on top military officials, and attempts to incite a violent riot in the capital.

Agencies