Bolsonaro's Alleged Involvement in Coup Plot Uncovered by Brazilian Police
A comprehensive report from Brazilian federal police has implicated former President Jair Bolsonaro in a conspiracy to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election. The 884-page document, resulting from a nearly two-year investigation, presents substantial evidence suggesting that Bolsonaro not only rejected the electoral outcome but actively sought to undermine democratic processes.
The investigation revealed that Bolsonaro had been orchestrating plans to challenge the election results since 2019. Evidence collected from wiretaps, financial records, and testimonies under plea deals indicates that he was aware of a plot to assassinate then-President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his vice president during the campaign.
In a significant meeting in December 2022, Bolsonaro allegedly proposed a military coup to the top commanders of the armed forces, seeking their backing. While some commanders refused to engage in the conspiracy, Admiral Almir Garnier Santos reportedly supported the idea.
As a result of the investigation, 37 individuals, including both retired and active military officers, have been charged with conspiracy to commit a coup, with Bolsonaro being a central figure. The police report is now awaiting a decision from Attorney General Paulo Gonet regarding formal charges against Bolsonaro and his associates. If charged, Bolsonaro could face a historic trial that underscores the ongoing threats to democracy in Brazil.
