SAO PAULO — Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil, has found himself embroiled in a myriad of legal troubles since his unsuccessful 2022 reelection campaign. These issues have intensified scrutiny on him from early in his term, leading to a series of investigations that could result in serious legal consequences.
On Thursday, Bolsonaro was hit with a fresh indictment, accused of attempting to orchestrate a coup in a bid to cling to the presidency. Compounding his troubles, Brazil’s electoral court has ruled him ineligible to seek office until 2030. Beyond these significant cases, there are numerous other investigations that could lead to criminal charges in lower courts. While he would have the opportunity to appeal any potential convictions, the ultimate decisions on over five substantial investigations will rest with the Supreme Court, including the matter surrounding the coup allegations, which could potentially result in imprisonment or house arrest for Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the multitude of investigations is a form of political persecution, a sentiment echoed by his supporters who acknowledge the gravity of his legal predicaments. Below is an overview of the most pressing legal challenges he faces:
**Coup Allegations**
Federal authorities have charged Bolsonaro along with 36 others for allegedly engaging in a conspiracy to ensure his continued presidency after his defeat in the 2022 elections. While the indictment remains sealed, investigations centered on whether he incited a January 8, 2022, riot where his supporters vandalized Brazil’s Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasilia.
**STATUS:** The police have submitted their findings to the Supreme Court, which must determine if these findings will be forwarded to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will then either press charges against Bolsonaro or dismiss the case.
**Electoral Violations**
In June, Brazil’s top electoral court found that Bolsonaro misused government communication channels during a meeting with diplomats, promoting his reelection campaign and creating mistrust about the electoral process. This case primarily focused on a gathering where Bolsonaro utilized state resources to allege that the electronic voting system was fraudulent. As a result, he is barred from running for office until 2030, although he continues to assert his intention to enter the 2026 election.
Additionally, the court found he abused his position during Independence Day celebrations shortly before the election, diminishing the likelihood of a successful appeal.
**STATUS:** Bolsonaro’s appeal against the initial ruling has been rejected.
**Vaccination Misrepresentation**
Bolsonaro faces charges for allegedly directing an official to falsify a public health database to record that he and his 12-year-old daughter had received the COVID-19 vaccine, thereby circumventing U.S. entry regulations. Despite his criticism of the vaccine, which he presented as a personal choice, he has claimed he did not get vaccinated at all.
The Federal Police have accused him of criminal association and manipulating public records, which both carry severe penalties.
**STATUS:** The indictment has been forwarded to the prosecutor-general for consideration on whether to pursue charges. There are also reports indicating a review of his use of forged documentation by U.S. authorities, which could lead to further legal implications in the United States.
**Luxury Jewelry Scandal**
Federal authorities are investigating whether Bolsonaro coordinated efforts to smuggle highly valuable jewelry into Brazil from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and whether he attempted to retain possession of these items rather than allowing them to be stored in the presidential collection. Investigators have previously summoned Bolsonaro for questioning regarding this matter.
**STATUS:** The Federal Police have moved to indict Bolsonaro for money laundering and criminal association, though specific details remain unconfirmed due to the sensitivity of the case.
**Pandemic Response Inquiry**
Brazil’s Federal Police are investigating Bolsonaro for his purported incitement of public health crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes discouraging mask use and spreading false information about vaccines. A Senate commission looked into his actions during the pandemic and recommended several criminal charges.
Though no charges were filed by the former prosecutor-general, there are calls for his successor to revisit the inquiry.
**STATUS:** This investigation is ongoing.
**Fake News and Digital Disinformation**
An investigation ordered by Brazil’s Supreme Court in 2020 into a network disseminating disinformation and threats against justices has led to arrests of individuals within Bolsonaro’s political circle, as well as raids on the homes of his supporters. Bolsonaro has become a significant target of this investigation.
Linked to this inquiry, the Federal Police are also probing whether a group functioning within Bolsonaro’s administration created misleading social media content intended to undermine judicial integrity, earning the label of a “digital militia.”
**STATUS:** These investigations continue to progress.
In conclusion, Bolsonaro is facing a confluence of serious legal challenges that could significantly impact his future and legacy. The outcome of these investigations will not only shape his own political fate but could also influence the broader political landscape in Brazil moving forward.