Brazil's federal police have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 other individuals for allegedly attempting a coup to keep him in office after his defeat in the 2022 elections. The findings have been submitted to Brazil's Supreme Court for further review.
Bolsonaro, a former right-wing president, has denied all claims of trying to stay in office following his electoral loss to leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Supreme Court has agreed to disclose the names of all 37 indicted individuals to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Among those indicted are former and current Bolsonaro aides, including Gen. Walter Braga Netto, former Army commander Gen. Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira, Valdemar Costa Neto, and Gen. Augusto Heleno. The investigation, which began last year, has led to the arrest of military personnel and a federal police agent.
Separate investigations are ongoing regarding Bolsonaro's alleged involvement in smuggling diamond jewelry and falsifying COVID-19 vaccination statuses. He has denied any wrongdoing in these matters. Additionally, he has been barred from running for office until 2030 due to accusations of abusing his authority to undermine the country's voting system.
Political analysts suggest that the investigations have weakened Bolsonaro's position as a leader of Brazil's right wing. With a potential conviction, he could face imprisonment and be ineligible for the 2026 elections. Convincing the Supreme Court of his innocence amidst a wide-ranging probe involving his associates poses a significant challenge for Bolsonaro.
The recent arrests of military personnel and a federal police officer further highlight the seriousness of the alleged coup attempt and plans to overthrow the government post-2022 elections, including targeting top officials.
