Stacy
Brasília, Brazil – February 19, 2025
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was charged on Tuesday with leading a plot to overturn his 2022 election loss. Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and his former running mate, General Walter Braga Netto, of organizing a “criminal organization” to dismantle Brazil’s democracy.
A total of 34 individuals, including military officials such as former National Security Adviser General Augusto Heleno and ex-Navy Commander Almir Garnier Santos, were indicted. The charges follow a two-year federal investigation into Bolsonaro’s role in election denial and the 2023 riots in Brasília. Prosecutors claim the plot aimed to seize control of the government and even included plans to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing, calling the accusations a political witch hunt. His lawyers have two weeks to respond before the Supreme Court decides on a trial. If convicted, he faces at least 12 years in prison, making a 2026 presidential bid unlikely.
Despite legal troubles, Bolsonaro’s allies are pushing legislation to reduce bans on candidates convicted of electoral crimes. Meanwhile, Lula’s approval rating has dropped to 24%, adding political uncertainty.
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Olivia
Kathy
