Brazilian Prosecutor General Endorses Coup Charges Against Bolsonaro

Brazil’s Prosecutor General formally endorsed charges against former President Jair Bolsonaro for attempting a coup d’état.

The announcement came Thursday, March 13, 2025, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation of the alleged plot to prevent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office.

Prosecutors maintain that defense arguments failed to dismiss the case against the “crucial nucleus” of conspirators. The investigation gathered substantial evidence against Bolsonaro and several high-ranking officials from his administration.

These officials include Alexandre Ramagem, former intelligence chief, Admiral Almir Garnier, former Navy commander, and Anderson Torres, former Justice Minister.

The list extends to General Augusto Heleno, former Security Minister, Mauro Cid, former presidential aide, Paulo Sérgio Nogueira, former Defense Minister, and Walter Braga Netto, former chief of staff.

All stand accused of participating in the alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2022 election results. The plot, code-named “Green and Yellow Dagger,” allegedly included plans to poison President Lula and assassinate Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

Bolsonaro Faces Coup Plot Charges

Investigators uncovered a multi-step scheme that began with systematic attacks on Brazil’s electronic voting system in 2021. Federal Police described a comprehensive strategy to keep Bolsonaro in power despite his electoral defeat.

The conspirators allegedly drafted decrees to provide legal cover and pressured military leaders for support. Later, they incited riots in Brasília following Lula’s inauguration.

Bolsonaro vehemently denies all accusations. He characterizes the charges as political persecution aimed at preventing his return to office. His legal team expressed “dismay and indignation” at the allegations.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes will now prepare his vote on each defendant before bringing the case to the First Chamber of the Supreme Federal Court. The court will decide whether to dismiss the charges or formally indict the defendants.

If convicted of attempting a coup and violently abolishing democratic rule of law, Bolsonaro faces up to 20 years in prison. Legal experts view the case as a significant test for Brazil’s democratic institutions.

The charges stem from events following the 2022 election when Bolsonaro never formally conceded. The tension culminated on January 8, 2023, when thousands of his supporters stormed government buildings in scenes reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol riot.

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