Brazil's Federal Police Indict 37, Including Military, in Alleged Coup Plot Against Lula

Nov 29, 2024, 04:05 PM

Brazil's Federal Police (PF) have made public a detailed report outlining an alleged coup plot to keep former President Jair Bolsonaro in power following the 2022 elections. The investigation has led to the indictment of 37 individuals, including 12 active military personnel, for their involvement in the conspiracy. The plot reportedly involved disinformation campaigns, street protests, and military coordination aimed at preventing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office. Messages disclosed by the PF suggest that Bolsonaro's supporters were inspired by the 1964 military coup, which led to a dictatorship. The case is set to be judged by the 1st Panel of the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Bolsonaro's defense has argued that he was not aware of any coup plans and would not have benefited from such an action, suggesting that he would have been betrayed by the military. The complexity of the investigation has led the Attorney General's Office (PGR) to indicate that a decision might not come until 2025.