Brazilian Police Indict Former President Jair Bolsonaro and Aides on Coup Attempt Charges

Brazil’s federal police have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other individuals on charges related to an alleged attempt to stage a coup following his electoral defeat in the 2022 elections. The indictment, announced on Thursday, accuses Bolsonaro and his aides of plotting to keep him in office despite his loss to leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The findings of the investigation are set to be delivered to Brazil’s Supreme Court, where they will be reviewed by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. Gonet will decide whether to proceed with the charges and put Bolsonaro on trial or to dismiss the investigation.

Bolsonaro has vehemently denied any involvement in attempts to stay in office after the 2022 elections. He has also faced other legal challenges, including investigations into potential smuggling of diamond jewelry into Brazil and allegations of directing a subordinate to falsify COVID-19 vaccination statuses. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing in these matters as well.

In a related development, federal police arrested four military personnel and a federal police officer on Tuesday, accusing them of plotting a coup that included plans to overthrow the government and allegedly kill President Lula and other top officials following the 2022 elections).