Jair Bolsonaro charged over alleged far-right coup plot to seize power in Brazil
Guardian2 days ago
Brazil's Bolsonaro Indicted for Alleged Coup Plot
Above: Former Brazilian Pres. Jair Bolsonaro speaks to the press after lunch and a visit to leaders of his Liberal Party in Senate in Brasília on Feb. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Ton Molina/NurPhoto/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
Former Brazilian Pres. Jair Bolsonaro was indicted on Tuesday in connection with an alleged coup plot to overturn his 2022 election loss and prevent his opponent, leftist leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from taking power, including alleged plans to kill the president-elect, the vice president-elect, and a Supreme Court justice.
Brazil's Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet accuses Bolsonaro of being part of a coup d'état and an armed criminal organization, attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, qualified damage through violence, serious threats against federal property, and deterioration of listed heritage.
Now, it's up to the First Panel of Brazil's Supreme Court to decide whether to accept the complaint and formally put Bolsonaro on trial. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in a maximum-security facility.
The Spin
Left narrative
This indictment represents a crucial step in defending democracy and the rule of law in Brazil, and a major step toward holding Bolsonaro and his accomplices accountable for their coup attempt. There is robust evidence that they are guilty — as shocking as these allegations are. Bolsonaro will end up in jail.
Right narrative
It's hardly a surprise that Brazilian authorities have charged Bolsonaro and several of his allies with a coup plot. As long warned, the right-wing Brazilian leader has been politically persecuted since his first day out of office in a blatant example of leftist lawfare — the very same failed strategy used in America against Trump.