Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is facing serious legal challenges. Brazil's Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet has formally accused Bolsonaro of orchestrating a coup attempt following his electoral defeat in 2022. Gonet's accusations implicate Bolsonaro and 33 others in a plot to retain power despite losing to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
This legal action follows an extensive 884-page report submitted to Gonet by the Federal Police in November. The report details an alleged scheme to undermine public trust in the electoral process. This purportedly involved drafting a decree to legitimize the plan, pressuring high-ranking military officials to cooperate, and instigating a riot in the capital.
The Supreme Court will now review the charges. If they are accepted, Bolsonaro will face trial. Bolsonaro has publicly denied any involvement in wrongdoing, stating he has "no concerns about the accusations." He has challenged the existence of any decree related to a coup attempt.
