Brazil's Supreme Court Accepts Charges Against Bolsonaro and Allies for Attempted Coup

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court unanimously accepted charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven allies on Wednesday, March 26, for allegedly attempting to abolish the democratic rule of law and stage a coup. Bolsonaro and his associates are accused of orchestrating a criminal organization, causing aggravated damage through violence against public property, and damaging listed property. The charges stem from an alleged plot to overturn the 2022 election results and keep Bolsonaro in power. The Prosecutor General's Office alleges Bolsonaro was aware of a plan to assassinate President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. They also claim he knew about a draft decree to carry out a coup, which included the arrest of Supreme Court ministers and the holding of new elections. Bolsonaro denies the accusations, claiming they are unfounded and politically motivated.