RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil’s prosecutor-general revealed shocking allegations on Tuesday, claiming that former President Jair Bolsonaro was aware of and supported a plan to poison his successor, current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in a bid to maintain power.
The prosecutor-general, Paulo Gonet, formally accused Bolsonaro of attempting a coup to retain office after losing the 2022 election. The plan reportedly also included targeting Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a prominent critic of the former president.
Alleged Coup Plan
Gonet stated, “The members of the criminal organization based at the presidential palace devised a scheme to undermine institutions, with the intent of destabilizing the governmental system and democratic order, under the ominous codename ‘Green and Yellow Dagger.’ This plan was formulated and brought to the president's attention, and he allegedly approved it.”
The prosecutor alleges that Bolsonaro, along with 33 others, were involved in the conspiracy to seize power.
Details of the Scheme
Last November, the Federal Police submitted an 884-page report to Gonet outlining the elaborate plot. The report claims that the scheme involved creating widespread distrust in the electoral process, drafting a decree to provide legal cover for the plot, pressuring high-ranking military officials to comply, and inciting unrest in the capital.
Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court will review the charges, and if accepted, Bolsonaro will face trial.
Despite the serious accusations, Bolsonaro vehemently denies any wrongdoing. During a visit to the Senate in Brasilia, he confidently stated, “I have no concerns about the accusations, zero. Have you seen the coup decree, by any chance? You haven’t. Neither have I.”
Bolsonaro's lawyer has not responded to requests for comments.
Legal Charges
In addition to the coup attempt, the 34 defendants are accused of involvement in an armed criminal group, the attempted violent overthrow of the democratic system, causing damage with violence, threatening state assets, and harming designated heritage sites, according to the Prosecutor General’s office.
“The organization was led by the former president and his running mate. Alongside civilians and military personnel, they sought to obstruct the outcome of the 2022 presidential election,” the statement explained.
These grave allegations have sent shockwaves through Brazil's political landscape, raising concerns about the sanctity of democracy and the rule of law.