Brazilian police have accused former President Jair Bolsonaro of being actively involved in a coup attempt against his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, following his defeat in the 2022 elections. A comprehensive 900-page report indicates that Bolsonaro was a 'key figure' in the coup planning and participated in 'strategic meetings' aimed at retaining power after the electoral loss.
The alleged coup was intended to undermine the rule of law in Brazil but ultimately failed. The case against Bolsonaro and 36 others has been forwarded to Brazil's public prosecutor. Federal police chief Paulo Gunt stated that the prosecutor will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro or conclude the investigation.
In response to the allegations of involvement in the failed coup, Bolsonaro has asserted his innocence and claimed to be a victim of political persecution. This coup attempt followed violent riots by Bolsonaro's supporters after his electoral defeat. In January 2023, his supporters stormed the Congress, the presidential palace, and the Supreme Court, causing significant damage.
During that time, Bolsonaro's extremist supporters staged protests and blocked streets in various states, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília, demanding military intervention. According to the police report, the coup was thwarted due to the refusal of Army Chief Marco Antônio Freire Gomes and other senior military officials to collaborate with the 'coup plotters.'
The report also mentions that four soldiers have been arrested for their involvement in a potential assassination plot against Lula, the current leftist president of Brazil.