In a shocking development that has rocked Brazil’s political landscape, former President Jair Bolsonaro faces formal charges for allegedly orchestrating a coup attempt following his 2022 electoral defeat. The charges, filed by Brazil’s Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, reveal disturbing details of a plot that allegedly included plans to poison current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court justice.
Details of the alleged coup plot
The indictment outlines a complex conspiracy dubbed the “Green and Yellow Dagger,” involving Bolsonaro and 33 other defendants. According to Gonet’s 272-page document, the scheme included systematic efforts to undermine public confidence in Brazil’s electoral system and included plans for violent action against key government figures.
Prosecutor-General Gonet stated in the indictment: “The members of the criminal organization structured a plan at the presidential palace to attack institutions, aiming to bring down the system of the powers and the democratic order, which received the sinister name of ‘Green and Yellow Dagger.’ The plan was conceived and taken to the knowledge of the president, and he agreed to it.”
Criminal charges and investigation findings
The defendants face multiple serious charges, including:
– Participating in a coup d’état
– Involvement in an armed criminal organization
– Attempted violent abolition of democratic rule of law
– Qualified damage against state assets
– Deterioration of listed heritage
The charges stem from an extensive investigation by Brazil’s Federal Police, which produced an 884-page report detailing alleged efforts to draft a decree providing legal cover for the plot and attempts to secure military support for the scheme.
Bolsonaro’s response
The former president has maintained his innocence in the face of these allegations. During a visit to the Senate in Brasilia, Bolsonaro dismissed the charges, stating, “I have no concerns about the accusations, zero.” He further challenged the existence of evidence, asking reporters, “Have you seen the coup decree, by any chance? You haven’t. Neither have I.”
The case now moves to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which will determine whether to proceed with a trial against the former president and his alleged co-conspirators. If the charges are accepted, Bolsonaro will face trial in what would be one of the most significant political cases in Brazil’s recent history.
