Bolsonaro Charged Over Alleged Coup Plot to Poison Lula

THE NEWS

Brazil’s prosecutor-general, Paulo Gonet, charged former President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday with orchestrating a coup plot to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.

The allegations include plans to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, shoot Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and rally military officials in a conspiracy dubbed “Green and Yellow Dagger.”

The case involves 34 defendants, among them Bolsonaro and his former running mate, Gen. Braga Netto. Brazil’s Supreme Court must decide whether to accept the charges, which could lead to Bolsonaro standing trial for attempting to overthrow the democratic order.

TIMELINE

• October 2022: Jair Bolsonaro loses Brazil’s presidential election to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

• November 2022: Brazil’s Federal Police submit an 884-page report to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. The report outlines a systematic effort to undermine the electoral system, including a drafted decree to justify a coup and incitement of riots in the capital.

• Tuesday (Latest Development): Prosecutor-General Gonet formally charges Bolsonaro and 33 others with attempting a coup d’état and related crimes. Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing and claims he has not seen evidence of a coup plan.

REACTIONS

Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet: In his 272-page indictment, contends that Bolsonaro “agreed to” and was involved in the “Green and Yellow Dagger” plan, accusing the former president and his allies of mounting a direct attack on Brazilian institutions.

Jair Bolsonaro (Former President): Rejects the accusations, maintaining “zero concerns” and insisting no coup decree existed. He suggests the claims are politically motivated, referencing his innocence during a press appearance in Brasilia.

Bolsonaro’s Legal Team: Has not immediately commented. Bolsonaro’s lawyers have previously denied the authenticity of any purported “coup decree.”

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes: Targeted in the alleged assassination plot. He has frequently clashed with Bolsonaro over issues like election integrity and disinformation.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Supreme Court will analyze the charges and, if accepted, Bolsonaro will stand trial.