Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been charged in connection with an alleged coup plot to overturn the 2022 election results and block his opponent from taking office, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Bolsonaro is among 34 individuals facing charges, including armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of democratic rule, and coup d’état. Prosecutors claim the plot began in 2021 with efforts to undermine trust in electronic voting machines.
In 2022, Bolsonaro allegedly met with diplomats to spread election fraud claims, despite a lack of evidence, in an attempt to justify disregarding the election results. He is also accused of approving a plan that included the assassination of elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his vice president.
The final attempt to overturn the election allegedly took place on 8th of January 2023, when Bolsonaro supporters stormed and vandalized government buildings in Brasília.
The charges, filed with the Supreme Court, could lead to a high-profile trial. Justices aim to conclude the case before the 2026 election, but a decision on whether to proceed is expected no earlier than March.
Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, stating he has “no concerns” about the accusations. Reports suggest he is seeking an amnesty deal in Brasília.
If convicted, Bolsonaro could face up to 28 years in prison. He is already banned from public office for eight years due to a separate case involving election misinformation.
