Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro is facing serious charges related to a supposed conspiracy to overturn the 2022 election results. This information comes from documents prosecutors filed recently.
In total, Bolsonaro is among 34 individuals accused. The charges include being part of an armed organization, attempting to disrupt democracy, and plotting a coup.
Allegedly, this plan began in 2021, aiming to shake public trust in electronic voting machines used during elections.
In 2022, Bolsonaro reportedly met with various diplomats to discuss claims of election fraud. This was seen as an effort to prepare the world for any potential rejection of the election results.
Even though investigators found no proof of fraud, Bolsonaro and his associates are said to have continued their efforts to discredit the electoral system.
Prosecutors claim that Bolsonaro even approved plans that could have led to violence against the newly elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his vice president.
The last major incident linked to this alleged coup occurred on January 8, 2023. Supporters of Bolsonaro attacked government buildings in Brasília.
In November, Bolsonaro and others were formally charged as part of the inquiry into this coup attempt. These charges are now before Brazil’s Supreme Court.
If the Supreme Court takes on the case, it could lead to a major trial. The justices want to resolve it before the 2026 elections in Brazil, although a decision on the case might not come until early March.
The extensive indictment suggests that Bolsonaro had a significant role in orchestrating the plan to keep Lula from taking office. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing, stating he never supported a coup plan.
Reports indicate Bolsonaro has been in Brasília, possibly trying to negotiate a deal for amnesty. If found guilty, he could face up to 28 years in prison.
Earlier this year, he was banned from holding public office for eight years due to other allegations of abusing his power and spreading false information about the election.
This is an unfolding situation, and more updates are expected as the legal proceedings continue.
