Brazil, prosecutors seek conviction of Bolsonaro for attempted coup

Former president accused of orchestrating a plan to subvert democratic order after 2022 elections

Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office has called for the conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro and seven former ministers and military officers accused of being part of the “crucial nucleus” of the coup plan devised after the 2022 election defeat.

In a 517-page document submitted to the Supreme Court, prosecutor Paulo Gonet argued that Bolsonaro “not only knew about the coup plan, but also led and articulated it”. According to the reconstruction, the group, composed of key figures from the government, the armed forces and the intelligence services, allegedly implemented a systematic and progressive plan to attack democratic institutions, obstruct the regular transfer of power and undermine the role of the judiciary.

The PGR’s request has been filed with the First Section of the Brazilian Supreme Court, which is expected to rule by September. If convicted, Jair Bolsonaro faces up to 43 years in prison.

The news was reported by the daily newspaper Estado de São Paulo. The formal charges include attempted violent abolition of the democratic rule of law, coup d’état, armed criminal organisation, aggravated damage and serious threats against public property.

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