Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and some of his former top aides met with police on Thursday as part of an investigation into allegations of plotting a coup to remove Bolsonaro's successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro arrived at Federal Police headquarters in Brasilia, accompanied by some of his former officials, including top military advisers. Bolsonaro chose to remain silent during the meeting.
According to Supreme Court documents, investigators believe the alleged plot involved preparing a decree for Bolsonaro to sign in case he lost the 2022 election. The decree would have declared the vote fraudulent, potentially justifying a military intervention and new elections. However, Bolsonaro never issued the decree to proceed with the alleged plan.
Bolsonaro's lawyer stated that Bolsonaro has never supported any coup movement. No formal charges have been made in the case yet.
A total of 23 individuals were expected to provide statements on Thursday, including Bolsonaro's 2022 running mate, Gen. Walter Braga Netto, former adviser Gen. Augusto Heleno, former Justice Minister Anderson Torres, and the head of Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party, Valdemar Costa Neto.
Bolsonaro indicated that he might decline to comment to police due to a lack of access to documents. His lawyer explained that remaining silent was a strategic decision based on incomplete information.
Political scientist Leonardo Paz suggested that staying silent could prevent Bolsonaro from making incriminating or inconsistent statements and allow him to review others' statements before responding.
Earlier this month, Brazilian police searched the homes and offices of top aides of Bolsonaro and his son, Carlos Bolsonaro, as part of the investigation. The former president's passport was also seized. Police stated that the suspects were targeted for their alleged involvement in attempting a coup d’etat.
Bolsonaro, who is prohibited from running for office until 2030, has continued to challenge the integrity of Brazil's voting system. He did not attend Lula’s inauguration and left the country before the event. On Jan. 8, 2023, Bolsonaro supporters staged a violent protest in the capital.
Bolsonaro's lawyer expects a significant turnout at a demonstration in Sao Paulo on Sunday, with over 100 federal lawmakers, 3 state governors, up to 15 senators, and around 500,000 attendees anticipated to show their support.
