Brazilian Authorities Charge Former President Jair Bolsonaro in Alleged Coup Plot

Brazilian authorities have formally charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with attempting to orchestrate a coup to remain in power after his 2022 election defeat. The charges, announced in February 2025, include conspiracy, attempting to overthrow the democratic state, and forming a criminal organization. Prosecutors allege that Bolsonaro and 33 others participated in a plan to poison his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The indictment also details a coordinated effort to discredit the electoral system and incite a military intervention to overturn the election results. Bolsonaro has denied all allegations, expressing confidence that the charges will be dismissed. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The Supreme Court is expected to review the charges and determine the next steps in the legal process. This development marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing Bolsonaro, who has been barred from holding public office until 2030 due to previous convictions related to election interference. The case has drawn international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump publicly defending Bolsonaro, calling the legal proceedings a "witch hunt" and urging authorities to "leave Bolsonaro alone." The Brazilian legal system is now tasked with determining the veracity of these serious allegations and ensuring accountability within the country's democratic institutions.