Bolsonaro Seeks Amnesty After Coup Attempt, Cites Fears of Imprisonment

Nov 29, 2024, 10:45 AM

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has publicly called for an amnesty for those involved in the alleged coup attempt, stating that it could help pacify the nation. This comes in the wake of a Federal Police (PF) investigation which revealed that Bolsonaro had discussed with military officials the possibility of invoking Article 142 of the Brazilian Constitution, which could be interpreted as a means to declare a state of siege. Despite these discussions, Bolsonaro did not proceed with the coup due to fears of imprisonment, according to the PF report. The investigation also uncovered messages showing that some of Bolsonaro's followers were inspired by the 1964 military coup, which led to a dictatorship. Bolsonaro has appealed to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) justices for an amnesty, suggesting it could resolve ongoing tensions and bring peace to Brazil.