Brazil’s Attorney General Files Charges Against Former President Jair Bolsonaro for Alleged Coup Attempt
Brazil’s Attorney General has filed charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro, one of 34 individuals being investigated, on multiple counts including armed criminal organization, attempted violent overthrow of democratic rule and a coup attempt. The charges against Bolsonaro, a former leader of the right-wing coalition, stem from his alleged efforts to undermine the public’s trust in electronic voting machines in 2021 and his meetings with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives in 2022 to discuss the allegations of electoral fraud, with the intention of preparing the international community for the alleged disregard of the popular will in the presidential elections.
Although no evidence of electoral fraud was found, the accused continued their campaign to discredit the electoral system, the Attorney General’s office claims. The final attempt to subvert the election, according to the charges, occurred on January 8, 2023, when Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed and vandalized the three government buildings in Brasilia.
The next step is for the Supreme Court to review the charges. If the court accepts the indictment, Bolsonaro will face trial.