Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro denies involvement in alleged coup plot

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has denied any involvement in an alleged coup plot that was discussed during a meeting he held in December 2022.

Bolsonaro made the statement after testifying for about two hours at the headquarters of the Federal Police in Brasilia, where an investigation into his involvement in the alleged plot is underway.

Bolsonaro clarified that the meeting he attended with Senator Marcos do Val and former Congressman Daniel Silveira on December 8, 2022, did not involve any discussion or planning of a coup plot.

He emphasized that he had no connection with Marcos do Val.

Senator Marcos do Val, however, has given different versions of the meeting and claimed that a plan was discussed to record a conversation with Judge Alexandre de Moraes, the president of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

The objective was to obtain evidence that could potentially lead to the annulment of the 2022 presidential election results.

Bolsonaro dismissed these allegations, stating that the conversation lasted only about 20 minutes and was an effort by the Liberal Party (PL, right), to which he belongs, to foster closer relationships with senators.

He maintained that he did not participate in any coup plot.

This is the fourth time Bolsonaro has testified before the Federal Police, who are also investigating him on other grounds, including allegations of encouraging anti-democratic acts.

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