SAO PAULO — In a recent statement, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of effectively admitting guilt regarding a conspiracy aimed at overturning the results of the 2022 election. Lula highlighted that Bolsonaro’s current efforts to seek amnesty indicate an acknowledgment of wrongdoing in efforts to maintain power post-defeat.
Bolsonaro, along with his allies in the legislature, is advocating for a legislative proposal designed to pardon individuals convicted for the insurrection that took place on January 8, 2023. On that day, Bolsonaro supporters unlawfully invaded governmental buildings in Brasília, drawing parallels to the riots at the U.S. Capitol. The former president’s faction is also seeking to alter existing laws that bar convicted felons from seeking political office.
During a live interview with Radio Tupi, Lula remarked, “He’s asking for amnesty, which means he’s basically saying, ‘Guys, I’m guilty.’” Lula characterized Bolsonaro’s alleged intentions to harm himself and other key political figures as part of a broader scheme to prevent his political demise.
New allegations from Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet indicate that Bolsonaro orchestrated a complex plan to cling to power, which purportedly involved schemes to poison Lula and eliminate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a notable critic of Bolsonaro. Despite these serious accusations, Bolsonaro has vehemently denied any involvement in wrongdoing, framing the allegations as vague and politically motivated claims driven by a despotic regime seeking internal adversaries.
Moreover, Bolsonaro has been precluded from participating in elections until 2030 due to previous abuses of power during his administration and for casting unwarranted suspicions on Brazil’s electronic voting infrastructure. Lula further emphasized that instead of seeking clemency, Bolsonaro and his co-accused should present their defenses in judicial proceedings.
“I always stress the presumption of innocence—everyone in this country has the right to prove their innocence, and he has that right,” Lula stated, urging Bolsonaro to demonstrate his innocence in court. Lula described the allegations as particularly grave, asserting, “I am sure that if it is proven, there is only one way out: prison.”
