In a dramatic development, Brazilian authorities have indicted former President Jair Bolsonaro, accusing him of having “full knowledge” of a 2022 plot to assassinate his successor, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and overturn the presidential election results. This indictment is part of an extensive investigation into the aftermath of the 2022 presidential elections, where Bolsonaro’s reelection bid was defeated.

On Thursday, Brazil’s federal police charged 37 individuals, including Bolsonaro, in connection with this investigation, as reported by CNN Brasil. The police allege that Bolsonaro was aware of a plan to prevent Lula and his government from assuming office following his electoral victory.

This situation has unfolded amidst significant political tension. Earlier this week, Brazilian police arrested five individuals, including a former adviser to Bolsonaro, for alleged involvement in plots against the current administration. The alleged conspirators reportedly also targeted Lula’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The arrest order, signed by Justice Moraes, authorized the preventive detention of the suspects, including retired General Mário Fernandes, who was a high-ranking official during Bolsonaro’s tenure.

The backdrop to these events is the narrow victory of Lula over Bolsonaro in the October 2022 presidential election. Bolsonaro’s supporters rejected the election results, leading to riots in Brasilia and the storming of government buildings on January 8, 2023. According to a police warrant executed on Tuesday, Bolsonaro allegedly met with military officials in December 2022 to discuss a document outlining a legal framework to maintain his hold on power.

Despite these serious allegations, Bolsonaro has consistently denied any attempts to orchestrate a coup. His son, Flavio Bolsonaro, a senator, defended the suspects in a post on X, arguing that merely contemplating assassination does not constitute a crime unless an attempt is actively interrupted.

This unfolding legal and political drama continues to captivate Brazil, with significant implications for its democratic processes and governance.