America News Agency

Brazilian Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet Branco has accused former President Jair Bolsonaro and 40 of his associates of attempting a coup and conspiring to assassinate the current president.

The charges submitted to the Supreme Court include five allegations, one of which states that Bolsonaro tried to prevent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming power after the 2022 presidential elections and even ordered his assassination.

Prosecutor Paulo Gonet Branco stated that Bolsonaro and his vice-presidential candidate Walter Braga Netto were the ringleaders of the case, working with a group of civilians and military personnel to conspire against the country's democratic institutions.

The case submission includes transcripts of conversations, digital files, messages exchanged between conspirators, and other evidence. The charges are based on an 800-page report published by the Federal Police after a two-year comprehensive investigation, concluding that Bolsonaro was fully aware of the plot and directly participated in it.

Bolsonaro has always denied the allegations, claiming to be a victim of state persecution. The prosecution stated that the conspiracy dates back to 2021, when security forces were allegedly instructed to prevent voters from casting ballots for Bolsonaro’s opponent.

Additionally, it is claimed that Bolsonaro’s supporters were facilitated in their attack on Supreme Court buildings and the presidential palace on January 8, 2023, just days after Lula took office.

The Supreme Court will review the evidence presented by the prosecution and decide whether Bolsonaro will stand trial.