Official announcements from Brazil's Prosecutor General's Office

Bolsonaro and 36 Others Indicted for Alleged Coup Plot; Braga Netto Implicated, Bolsonaro Acknowledges Possible Arrest

Nov 26, 2024, 01:26 PM

Brazil's Federal Police have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others, including high-ranking military officials and former ministers, for allegedly orchestrating a coup d'état against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following the 2022 elections. The 884-page report indicates that the accused formed six coordinated groups that have been active since 2019 to destabilize Brazilian democracy, including discrediting the electoral system and planning violent actions. Former Vice Presidential candidate Braga Netto is implicated in two of these groups. The report highlights evidence pointing to Bolsonaro's involvement, suggesting he had 'full awareness' and 'active participation' in the coup planning. Bolsonaro has publicly denied the allegations, stating, 'I studied all possible measures within the "four lines" of the Constitution,' and calling the accusations 'absurd.' He acknowledged, 'I could be arrested now,' and accused authorities of political persecution. The Prosecutor General's Office will now analyze the indictments to decide on formal charges.