Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted for an alleged "coup" plot to prevent his successor Lula's return to power after the 2022 elections. The prosecutor's office detailed in a statement the indictment of the former far-right leader (2019-2022) and 33 other defendants "accused of inciting and carrying out acts contrary to the three powers and the democratic rule of law".
The indictment has been delivered to the Supreme Court, which will now have to decide whether to try him. The former head of state was indicted for alleged "coup" plans, "attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law" and "armed criminal organization". If a trial goes ahead, Jair Bolsonaro faces between 12 and 40 years in prison.
According to the indictment, this alleged conspiracy "was led by President Bolsonaro and his vice presidential candidate Walter Braga Netto who, allied with other individuals, civilians and military, tried to prevent, in a coordinated manner, the application of the result of the 2022 presidential elections".
