Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has been formally charged with attempting a coup to stay in power, with prosecutors alleging the plot included plans to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court judge.
Prosecutor unveils explosive allegations
Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and 33 others of orchestrating a conspiracy to overturn the 2022 election results. The 272-page indictment details a plan, known as Green and Yellow Dagger, aimed at destabilizing Brazil’s democratic system.
According to Gonet, Bolsonaro was fully aware of the plot, stating, “The plan was conceived and taken to the knowledge of the president, and he agreed to it.”
Bolsonaro and his allies deny charges
Bolsonaro’s legal team dismissed the allegations, calling them vague and outrageous. His son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, slammed the indictment, claiming it was a political attack orchestrated by Lula’s allies.
The far-right leader himself brushed off concerns, telling reporters, “I have zero worries about these accusations.” He also challenged the evidence, asking, “Have you seen this so-called coup decree? Neither have I.”
Supreme Court to decide on trial
Brazil’s Supreme Court will now review the charges. If accepted, Bolsonaro faces up to 20 years in prison for crimes including participation in an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of democracy, and destruction of state property.
The case relies on manuscripts, digital files, spreadsheets, and private messages, which allegedly reveal a coordinated effort to spread election fraud conspiracies, pressure military leaders, and incite riots.
What’s next for Bolsonaro?
Bolsonaro is already barred from running in 2026 after Brazil’s electoral court ruled he abused power and spread false claims about the voting system. However, polls suggest he remains a strong political force and could have challenged Lula in the next election.
Political analyst Carlos Melo believes Bolsonaro will now play the victim, arguing his legal troubles are part of a strategy to block his return to power.
“There will be political dust, but it will settle,” said Melo, predicting Bolsonaro will remain a central figure in Brazil’s divided political landscape.
