Bolsonaro indicted for coup attempt and alleged plot against Lula

Wednesday 19 February 2025 - 09:08

Brazil's Prosecutor-General, Paulo Gonet, has formally indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro on charges of attempting a coup to remain in power after his defeat in the 2022 elections. The indictment also includes allegations of a plot to poison his successor, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

According to the 272-page indictment, Bolsonaro and 33 others orchestrated a plan, referred to as "Green and Yellow Dagger," aimed at dismantling Brazil’s democratic institutions. The scheme allegedly involved efforts to undermine trust in the electoral system, drafting a decree to legitimize the coup, and pressuring military leaders to support the move. The accusations are based on an 884-page Federal Police report submitted in November.

If the Supreme Court accepts the charges, Bolsonaro will face trial. The former far-right leader has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the accusations as baseless. Along with the coup attempt, the 34 defendants face charges of forming an armed criminal organization, attempting to abolish the democratic order through violence, and causing significant damage to state property.

Gonet's report identifies Bolsonaro and his former running mate, Gen. Braga Netto, as the primary leaders of the alleged criminal organization, accusing them of attempting to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions. The Supreme Court's decision on the case could have significant political and legal repercussions for the country.