Jair Bolsonaro Indicted for Coup Plot, Assassination Conspiracy \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Brazil’s Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet has formally charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with attempting a coup to stay in power after his 2022 election defeat. The criminal indictment alleges that Bolsonaro and 33 co-conspirators planned to poison President Lula and kill Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The Supreme Court will review the charges, and if accepted, Bolsonaro will stand trial. The far-right leader denies any wrongdoing.
Bolsonaro Indicted for Coup Plot Against Brazilian Government: Quick Looks
- Formal Charges: Brazil’s Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet has charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with attempting a coup to stay in power after his 2022 election defeat.
- Assassination Plot Allegations: The indictment claims Bolsonaro’s inner circle planned to poison President Lula and kill Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
- Coup Plan Details: The scheme, called “Green and Yellow Dagger,” allegedly included pressuring the military, sowing distrust in elections, and inciting riots.
- Bolsonaro Denies Wrongdoing: The former president dismissed the accusations and called them politically motivated, while his legal team condemned the charges.
- Supreme Court Review: If Brazil’s Supreme Court accepts the indictment, Bolsonaro will stand trial, possibly before the end of 2025.
- Political Impact: Bolsonaro is already banned from running in 2026, but remains a major political figure. His supporters claim the case is an attempt to block his return.
- Legal Precedent: Experts call the charges historic, arguing they demonstrate Brazil’s democratic resilience in holding former leaders accountable.
- What’s Next? The Supreme Court will decide whether to move forward with the trial, which could result in serious legal and political consequences for Bolsonaro.
Deep Look
Prosecutor Formally Accuses Bolsonaro of Leading a Coup Conspiracy
In a historic indictment, Brazil’s Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet has formally charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with orchestrating a coup to stay in office after his 2022 election loss. The indictment, filed on Tuesday, accuses Bolsonaro and 33 co-defendants of plotting to overturn Brazil’s democratic order through a military-backed coup that allegedly included plans to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The 272-page indictment, presented to Brazil’s Supreme Court, describes how Bolsonaro’s inner circle crafted a detailed strategy to retain power through illegal means, dubbing their effort “Green and Yellow Dagger.” Prosecutors claim Bolsonaro approved the plan, which aimed to sow distrust in the electoral system, pressure military leaders to intervene, and disrupt Brazil’s democratic institutions.
If the Supreme Court accepts the charges, Bolsonaro will face trial—marking an unprecedented moment in Brazil’s history, where a former president could be held accountable for an attempted coup.
Bolsonaro Denies Wrongdoing, Calls Charges Politically Motivated
Bolsonaro has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that he had no involvement in any coup attempt. Speaking to journalists in Brasilia on Tuesday, he said:
“I have no concerns about the accusations—zero. Have you seen the coup decree? Neither have I.”
His defense team responded with “dismay and indignation,” claiming Bolsonaro never endorsed any movement to overthrow democracy. Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s son and a senator, denounced the indictment as politically motivated, accusing prosecutors of serving Lula’s interests.
Coup Conspiracy: Poisoning Plot and Supreme Court Assassination Plan
The indictment outlines several criminal acts allegedly carried out by Bolsonaro’s inner circle, including:
- Attempting to poison President Lula before his inauguration.
- Plotting the assassination of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a frequent Bolsonaro critic.
- Drafting emergency decrees to provide legal cover for military intervention.
- Pressuring top military officials to support Bolsonaro’s continued rule.
- Inciting riots in Brasilia to create chaos and justification for a government takeover.
The alleged plot was detailed in a November 2023 police report, which contained spreadsheets, digital files, message exchanges, and handwritten documents showing a coordinated effort to dismantle Brazil’s democracy.
Legal and Political Fallout: What Happens Next?
Bolsonaro now faces charges of participating in a coup d’état, along with other crimes, including:
- Operating an armed criminal organization.
- Attempted violent abolition of democratic rule.
- Destruction of public assets.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face years in prison, further diminishing his political future.
Bolsonaro is already barred from running for office until 2030, following a court ruling that found he abused power by spreading false claims about Brazil’s electoral system. However, he remains a powerful figure in Brazilian politics, with recent polls suggesting he would be a competitive candidate against Lula if he were allowed to run.
“Following Tuesday’s charges, Bolsonaro will position himself as a victim,” said political scientist Carlos Melo. “His supporters will claim this is an attempt to stop him from returning to power.”
Supreme Court to Decide Bolsonaro’s Fate
The Brazilian Supreme Court will now analyze the charges and determine whether to formally put Bolsonaro on trial. Legal experts believe the court is likely to accept the indictment, paving the way for a trial before the end of 2025.
“The charges show Brazil’s institutions are strong, independent, and agile,” said legal analyst Luis Henrique Machado. “This is a historic moment, demonstrating accountability at the highest levels of government.”
While Bolsonaro’s legal battles intensify, the case has broader implications for Brazil’s democracy. If convicted, Bolsonaro would become one of the few world leaders in modern history to be tried for attempting to overthrow his own government.
For now, Bolsonaro and his legal team are preparing for a lengthy fight, but with mounting evidence against him, his political future remains uncertain.
Jair Bolsonaro Indicted Jair Bolsonaro Indicted
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