Brazil’s federal police have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 associates for allegedly attempting a coup to remain in power following his 2022 election defeat to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, AP News reports.
The findings, submitted to Brazil’s Supreme Court, will be reviewed by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will decide whether to press formal charges or dismiss the case. The indictment implicates key Bolsonaro allies, including former generals, his 2022 running mate, and the chairman of his Liberal Party. Bolsonaro, denying any wrongdoing, dismissed the accusations as “creative” and vowed to fight them.
This comes amid other investigations against Bolsonaro, including allegations of smuggling undeclared diamond jewelry, falsifying COVID-19 vaccination records, and undermining Brazil’s electoral system. Earlier this year, judges barred Bolsonaro from running for office until 2030, although he has hinted at a 2026 campaign.
Recent events, including arrests tied to assassination plots against Lula and a Supreme Court justice, underscore ongoing political tensions in Brazil following the contested election.
