Brazil's Federal Police have accused former President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of orchestrated plans to execute a coup aimed at keeping him in power. This comprehensive indictment emerged from investigations supported by extensive evidence and testimonies highlighted within the agency's 884-page report.
The alleged plan involves multiple strategies, including similar tactics utilized prior to the 2020 American elections, where sowing distrust about the electoral system became common. Bolsonaro is reportedly at the center of these activities, allegedly initiating campaigns to undermine confidence in Brazil's electronic voting systems starting as early as 2019, ramping up these efforts as his 2022 re-election bid loomed closer.
The police assert the involvement of “digital militias,” organized groups comprising thousands of social media accounts pushing pro-Bolsonaro narratives, as part of this misinformation campaign. Various far-right influencers and political figures contributed, promoting the unfounded belief the electoral results could be tampered with. Bolsonaro himself frequently voiced admiration for Brazil's military dictatorship, recalling the era as one defined by stability and safety from communism.
Significantly, about three months before the election, Bolsonaro organized meetings with various diplomats at the presidential palace. During these gatherings, he presented unfounded vulnerabilities of the voting system, hoping to plant the seeds of doubt both domestically and internationally.
Post-election, Bolsonaro's Liberal Party challenged the electoral results at Brazil's highest electoral court, raising flags about specific voting devices purportedly facilitating fraudulent activity. The court dismissed the claims swiftly, emphasizing the lack of credible evidence.
The investigation caught another alarming detail: documents, including drafts of decrees aimed at setting the coup plans in motion, were found at the residence of Bolsonaro's former justice minister, Anderson Torres. The documents hinted at creating committees to investigate alleged fraud surrounding the October 2022 elections. This maneuver aimed to potentially suspend the powers of the electoral court and possibly call for new elections.
While some military leaders displayed hesitance, particularly within the army and air force, who opposed halting Lula’s inauguration, the navy's command appeared supportive of adhering to these drafts. Testimonies from those close to the investigations indicated these military refusals played a key role in ensuring this plot never materialized.
Legal experts are characterizing the evidence presented to military leaders as highly damaging, and many view Bolsonaro's actions as significant interference attempts within the electoral process. Brazilian law places the ultimate authority concerning electoral legislation with prosecutors and electoral courts, as asserted by professor and law expert Luiz Henrique Machado.
Recently, Bolsonaro defended himself, asserting his discussions with military leaders revolved around evaluating constitutional emergency measures, which he claimed are within the limits of legal assessment, countering accusations against him as absurd.
Further, allegations have arisen of another sinister plan underlining the turbulent interaction between Bolsonaro’s supporters and the Brazilian political milieu. On November 19, Brazilian authorities arrested five individuals, including four army special operations officers and one federal police officer, who were accused of scheming to assassinate both Lula and member of the Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The apprehended individuals believed their actions would leave Bolsonaro's ticket as the only valid one during the election process, showcasing the extent of the chaos and discord encapsulating Brazil's political theater.
This series of accusations showcases not only the gravity of the situation facing Bolsonaro but also highlights broader tensions within Brazilian society as it reckons with past practices and envisages its democratic future.