Former President Bolsonaro Faces Charges in Brazil Over a Suspected Coup Attempt

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was formally charged on Tuesday for allegedly leading a plot to overthrow the government and undermine the country’s democratic system after his loss in the 2022 election. This development complicates his hopes of a political comeback. The charges come after a two-year investigation into the election-denying movement, which culminated in riots by Bolsonaro supporters in Brazil’s capital in early 2023, just a week after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office.
Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and his running mate, General Walter Braga Netto, of heading a “criminal organisation” that aimed to create a new order in Brazil, including plans to poison Lula. Thirty-four people were charged in connection to the plot, including military figures like Bolsonaro’s former national security adviser, General Augusto Heleno, and former Navy Commander Almir Garnier Santos.
The charges state that Bolsonaro was responsible for actions that threatened Brazil’s democratic institutions, leading an authoritarian agenda. Bolsonaro’s lawyers denied the charges, stating he never supported any efforts to dismantle Brazil’s democracy.
Although it seems unlikely that Bolsonaro will be arrested before his trial, unless Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes deems him a flight risk.
The charges against Bolsonaro come after Brazilian authorities concluded their investigation into the election-denying movement that led to violent protests in early 2023. Many protesters admitted to attempting to create chaos in hopes of justifying a military coup. Police arrested five individuals last year for allegedly plotting to assassinate Lula before he took office. Prosecutors claim the Bolsonaro-led conspiracy included plans to poison the leftist leader.
The charge document stated that the plot aimed for total control over Brazil’s three branches of government and a central office to implement their desired “new order.” Bolsonaro, a former army officer, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges a politically motivated attack.
Meanwhile, his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, dismissed the charges, calling them “unconstitutional and immoral.” This indictment marks the first time Bolsonaro has been formally charged, though he has faced multiple legal challenges since losing the election. Two decisions by Brazil’s Federal Electoral Court have already prevented him from running for president until 2030.
Bolsonaro’s defence team has two weeks to respond, after which the Supreme Court will decide whether to accept the charges and possibly hold a public trial. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face at least twelve years in prison.
This indictment could severely hinder Bolsonaro’s chances of returning to politics, especially since a 2010 law bars anyone convicted on appeal from running for office. However, Bolsonaro’s allies remain hopeful, seeking to gain political support to challenge the courts and lawmakers, aiming to clear the way for his return. A recent survey shows growing discontent with Lula’s government, with only 24% of Brazilians expressing approval, his lowest approval rating in any of his terms as president.