Bolsonaro Accused of Planning Coup and Assassination, Says Federal Police Report

Brazil’s Federal Police has presented a detailed report accusing former President Jair Bolsonaro of direct involvement in planning a coup to remain in power after his defeat in the 2022 election.

The report, made public by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) on Tuesday, alleges that Bolsonaro had full knowledge of a plot to assassinate President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his vice president, Geraldo Alckmin.

The 884-page document outlines Bolsonaro’s actions and coordination with a group of individuals. These efforts, dating back to 2019, were aimed at dismantling Brazil’s democratic institutions.

According to the Federal Police, the coup attempt failed due to resistance from key military leaders, including the commanders of the Air Force and Army, who upheld their commitment to democracy.

However, the report highlights that the Navy commander, Admiral Almir Garnier, expressed willingness to support the plan. The accusations include detailed evidence of meetings and visitor logs at the presidential residence.

Additionally, intercepted communications allegedly reveal Bolsonaro’s involvement in operational plans. These plans are referred to as “Punhal Verde e Amarelo” (Green and Yellow Dagger) and “Copa 2022” (2022 World Cup).

A Test for Brazil’s Democracy

The former aimed to poison Lula and Alckmin, while the latter targeted the assassination of Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Last week, Bolsonaro was formally indicted along with 36 others.

Among those indicted were Garnier and former government ministers. The charges include attempting a coup, undermining democratic order, and participating in a criminal organization.

Bolsonaro has denied all allegations, claiming he never discussed a coup with anyone. The Federal Police report details eight instances where Bolsonaro allegedly took deliberate steps to create conditions for a coup.

These actions included meetings, dissemination of undemocratic narratives, and discussions of draft documents to overturn the election results.

According to the findings, Bolsonaro‘s inner circle planned clandestine operations under code names, with evidence pointing to significant coordination and intent.

The STF has forwarded the findings to the Prosecutor General’s Office for further legal action. This investigation marks a critical moment in Brazil’s political history, highlighting the resilience of democratic institutions amidst attempts to undermine them.

While Bolsonaro’s defense maintains his innocence, the extensive evidence presented could result in significant legal consequences. This could have far-reaching implications for the former president and his associates.

As the judicial process unfolds, these revelations highlight the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic principles. They also emphasize the need to hold public figures accountable for their actions.